Bringing ‘Edjop’ to life: Get to know the star-studded cast of the biopic

A new Filipino biopic is set to bring the compelling story of Edgar "Edjop" Jopson to the screen, exploring his life, activism, and death during the Martial Law era in the 1970s under former president Ferdinand E. Marcos. Directed by Katski Flores, the film features a lineup of talented actors aiming to portray this significant historical figure and his world.

Leading the cast in the challenging titular role is young actor Elijah Canlas. Initially slated for just two scenes as the younger Jopson, Canlas passionately insisted on portraying the revolutionary student leader throughout the entire film. Driven by his fascination with Jopson's life – a high school valedictorian and Ateneo Management Engineering graduate who became president of the National Union of Students of the Philippines – Canlas undertook extensive research to do justice to the character.

Canlas shared his perspective, viewing the role as a way to utilize his profession for a cause. "I think that's the essential purpose of the artist – it's to tell stories and to justify these stories," he stated, hoping moviegoers would learn from Jopson's story and integrate it into their understanding of humanity. A vocal advocate for social justice, Canlas is also known for his mental health advocacy, co-founding the KULIT Foundation in honor of his late brother. His credits include notable projects like *Gameboys*, *Senior High*, *High Street*, and *GomBurZa*. He gained significant acclaim and international awards for his performance in *Kalel, 15*.

Making her acting debut opposite Canlas is Frankie Pangilinan, who portrays the young Joy Jopson, Edjop's wife and the mother of their three children. Daughter of megastar Sharon Cuneta and Senator Kiko Pangilinan, Frankie's performance has already garnered praise, with her mother expressing deep pride and emotion after a preview screening. Frankie is also known as singer-songwriter Kakie and has been a vocal advocate against government censorship and activism crackdowns, particularly during the 2020 Anti-Terror Law debates and the 2022 elections.

Adding further depth to the cast are industry veterans Jodi Sta. Maria and Cedrick Juan. Jodi Sta. Maria takes on the role of Joyette Jopson, the daughter of Edjop and Joy. Reflecting on her experience, Sta. Maria described filming as a "rollercoaster" that pushed her limits but emphasized the project's significance as more than just a film. She called it "a lesson in history, resilience, and courage." An active advocate for animal rights, Sta. Maria has collaborated with the Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS). Her extensive filmography includes popular series like *Be Careful With My Heart* and *Lavender Fields*, and films like *Aparisyon* and *Clarita*.

Cedrick Juan, no stranger to historical biopics after his Best Actor-winning portrayal of Fr. Jose Burgos in *GomBurZa*, also joins the ensemble. While his specific role in *Edjop* has not yet been publicly revealed, his previous work includes films like *Die Beautiful* and *The Panti Sisters*. Juan is also involved in HIV awareness movements. He previously shared the screen with Elijah Canlas in *Kalel, 15*.

The film has begun holding fundraising preview screenings, with the first taking place on July 1, to support its completion. Further details about the film and its final release date are expected to be announced soon.