Marivi Soliven’s The Mango Bride is headed to the big screen, Variety reports.
Martin Edralin, known for his work on the 2021 Canadian film Islands, is directing the adaptation of Soliven’s book.
Published in 2013 by NAL Accent/Berkley, The Mango Bride follows two women from the Philippines who move to Oakland, California, both in search of a better life. “After tracing the family’s dark history, the tragic story ends on a more hopeful note for the next generation,” a critic for Kirkus wrote.
Sharon Cuneta, an actor and singer in her native Philippines, will star in the film; she’s known for her roles in films like Madrasta, Caregiver, and Unexpectedly Yours. She will also serve as an executive producer, alongside Anna Liza Recto, Michael Kaleda, Kevin Balhetchet, Ryo Ebe, and Abhi Rastogi.
Rae Red (Birdshot, Tenement 66) is writing the screenplay, and producers include Justin Deimen (100 Yards) and Micah Tadena (Eerie).
Cuneta shared news of the adaptation on Instagram. “SURPRISE! Hollywood, here come the PINOYS!!!” she wrote, using a colloquial term for people of Filipino decent. “Please pray for this project to succeed. My prayer is that it is able to open doors for ALL OF US in the industry - FINALLY!”
Michael Schaub is a Texas-based journalist and regular contributor to NPR.
