‘Songs for Selina’ proves Filipino creatives can compete globally, says cast

It may have taken nearly seven years from its initial shoot to its theatrical release in the Philippines, but Songs for Selina, a musical film that explores the realities of the music industry, was well worth the wait, according to its lead actress Mica Javier.

Shot in 2019 and completed in 2022 amid pandemic delays, the film features a Filipino and Filipino-American cast and production team. It premiered on Amazon Prime US and Tubi in June 2025 before making its Philippine debut on March 18, 2026, in Ayala Cinemas.

“I think this film is a proof of concept that Filipino creatives, from behind the scenes to in front of the camera and everywhere in between, can compete at a global level,” said Javier, who stars alongside Rachel Coates, during a roundtable interview.

“The fact that we got picked up by Amazon Prime US first, before we even showed this film to any of our local Filipino communities, shows that when we band together and put our efforts in the right places with the best intentions, we can carve our own lane on the global stage, even in Hollywood,” she added.

Play Video

The film, which takes pride in its Filipino-laden crew, follows two aspiring singers, Selina and Maya, who share a dream of making it big in the music industry.

Their journey navigates industry expectations, moral dilemmas, and the pressures of fame, offering a glimpse into the darker side of the spotlight as they find their place in show business.

Executive producer and R&B artist Jay-R said the story draws from real-life experiences in the industry, weaving multiple accounts into a narrative meant to serve as a wake-up call for aspiring artists.

The film is directed by Dean Rosen, known for the historical movie hit Quezon’s Game, and features a strong Filipino cast that includes Rachel Alejandro, Niño Alejandro, Nicole Laurel, Gab Pangilinan, and Audie Gemora.

“Filipinos really have talent. But if we can find ways to step outside the box, beyond the norm and mainstream often produced in our motherland, then we can continue opening doors for our stories to shine even more,” Javier said.

Javier also expressed hope that more Filipino-made films will reach the international stage, emphasizing the need for local creatives to participate in global film festivals.

“For Filipino films to really gain traction on the world stage, we need to be joining more festivals so more people, especially influential ones, can see them. That’s what we need to do,” she said.

Javier also urged Filipino audiences to support local films in theaters.

“So we need to support our Filipino films for there to be more high-quality Filipino films,” she said. 

“Filipino audiences also need to show up. A lot of us don’t give these films a chance. We skip the cinemas and just wait for them to appear on streaming platforms. I think we could all support each other a lot more.”

The film also features an original soundtrack composed by Jay-R, underscoring key musical performances throughout.

“As artists ourselves, we understand the fear of being marginalized or blacklisted for addressing uncomfortable truths,” Jay R said. “That vulnerability is precisely why we chose to tell this story through film and music.” – Rappler.com

‘Songs for Selina’ is produced by Homeworkz Entertainment and distributed in the Philippines by Black Cap Pictures.