Leonor Reyes was once a groundbreaking figure in the Filipino film industry during its ragtag action cinema glory days, but now she struggles with old age, mounting bills, and the untimely death of her son. While revisiting an unfinished script about a fearless protagonist trying to avenge his brother’s murder, Leonor is struck on the head by a falling television set and knocked into a coma. As she lays unconscious in the hospital, fantasy and reality begin to blur when Leonor finds herself awake inside her script, becoming the hero of her own story. An innovative blend of pulpy action homages, playful comedy, and touching family drama, Leonor Will Never Die is a wonderfully imaginative tribute to the art of filmmaking.
“Wonderfully unclassifiable! Martika Ramirez Escobar’s heartfelt, zany tribute to the magic of movies and the power of love”
A. O. Scott
New York Times
“A beautiful, life-affirming celebration”
Charles Barfield
The Playlist
"It’s clear you’re in for a good time with Martika Ramirez Escobar’s breezy fantasy”
Marya E. Gates
RogerEbert.com
Special Jury Prize for Innovative Spirit
Sundance 2022
Amplify Voices Award
TIFF 2022
Special Jury Mention - Narrative Feature
Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival 2022
Best Narrative Award
Center for Asian American Media (CAAMFEST 2022)
Centerpiece Feature
San Diego Filipino Film Festival (SDFF 2022)
Official Selection
Chicago International Film Festival (CIFF 2022)
Official Selection
Bali Film Festival (2022)
Official Selection
Philadelphia Film Festival (PFF 2022)
Official Selection
Hawaii International Film Festival (HIFF 2022)
Official Selection
Five Flavors Asian Film Festival (2022)
Official Selection
Singapore Film Festival (2022)
Feature Audio Commentary by director Martika Ramirez Escobar
“A Film That Built Itself” Interview Featurette with director Martika Ramirez Escobar
“Creature Feature”: A Making of Video Journal
Pusong Bato short film
Photo Gallery
Behind the Scenes Gallery
Artwork Gallery
Theatrical Trailer