“This is my very first film,” confirmed singer Morissette Amon in an exclusive interview with PUSH ABS-CBN.
Morissette is part of the upcoming film Song of the Fireflies. The story revolves around the origins of the Loboc Children’s Choir, and Morissette will be portraying the role of its founder, Alma Taldo.
“I’m very, very proud to be a part of it,” said Morissette. “The Loboc Children’s Choir is a renowned children’s choir from Bohol. Even the material itself is close to my heart as a Bisaya, kasi neighbor lang namin ang Bohol and I have heard of the Loboc Children’s Choir.”
The movie is presented by Culturtain Musicat Productions, the same team behind the 2017 award-winning movie Ang Larawan which starred Rachel Alejandro, Joanna Ampil, and Paulo Avelino.
READ: MMFF review: 'Ang Larawan' is indelibly inspiring
Song of the Fireflies is set to have its Hollywood global premiere on March 6 and 7, 2025. On her Instagram account last February 10, Morissette posted an update on the project.
“It’s been a long time coming for our film. After a couple special screenings, we’re so excited to FINALLY share ‘Song of the Fireflies’ with all of you, as it is a part of this year’s @manilaintlfilmfest happening in LA next month!!” she reported in her caption. “As a fellow Bisaya and Filipino, proud kaayo ko ani!”
Like Ang Larawan, Song of the Fireflies also has music as one of its core elements.
“I think that’s also one reason why I was drawn to this project,” shared Morissette. “It’s not a pure film lang; it’s a film with music. It’s not a musical, but it is a film with amazing, amazing music by legends in our industry.”
“It’s a very feel-good film, with music from Raymond Marasigan and Jazz Nicolas and Louie Ocampo, and of course, National Artist for Music Ryan Cayabyab,” she added.
Morissette shared that the film was something in the pipeline years ago, but had to be put on hold because of the pandemic.
“We shot it two years ago. Supposedly pandemic pa po ito, 2019. We were able to put out a whole teaser and we were supposed to shoot the whole thing in 2020, but nag-pandemic,” she revealed. “Fast forward to 2022, 2023, we were finally able to shoot the whole thing.”
What made Morissette say yes to the project?
“Unang-una, just the material: na it’s about the Loboc Children’s Choir and being able to portray someone who founded that and believed in these kids, these very simple kids from the province. Ma’am Alma saw the talent and she gave them the opportunity to share their love for music and be in a choir,” she said.
Another reason was also the fact that the story gave space to Visayan talent, a cause that is very close to Morissette’s heart.
“Pangalawa, I wanted to be part of a project that puts the spotlight on Bisaya. Everything just aligned,” she continued. “And third, of course, being able to work with the likes of Ms Celeste Legaspi, Ms Rachel. It’s a jam-packed project that I just couldn’t say no to.”
READ: EXCLUSIVE: Morissette Amon on working with fellow Bisdaks
The film is directed by award-winning director King Palisoc to whom Morissette is thankful for making her first foray into film a breeze.
“I had the best time filming this, with the best staff crew and directed by Direk King Palisoc. He really took care of everyone and anchored everyone to just a great experience, especially for me as a first-timer in the movie industry,” said Morissette. “I’m just very happy to experience that, and I’m very excited for everyone to hopefully experience that as well through our film. We just want to be able to share this story with everyone.”
Although best known for her talent as a singer, Morissette has had prior experience acting in television and theatre. In her teenage years, she acted in several teleseryes such as Pidol’s Wonderland, Kapitan Awesome, and Cassandra: Warrior Angel. In 2012, she was part of Repertory Philippines’ musical production of Disney’s Camp Rock.
“I think with the right material, I think that is something I would like to do as well. It’s another form of art, it’s another outlet,” said Morissette of the possiblity of going back to theatre acting in the future. “My first love will always be music. I think at the end of the day, I’ll still go home to music. But with the right materials — for film, for teleserye, even theatre — I’d be down to do it.”