‘Felix Manalo’ movie portrays Iglesia ni Cristo history

MANILA, Philippines – Iglesia ni Cristo Spokesman Edwil Zabala said that the movie Felix Manalo was not made for the church primarily to make more money, but for others to learn more about its history. 

At a press conference for the movie, Zabala said that the movie was made for viewers to see what the church is about, know the history of their leader, and to become closer to God. 

“Hindi po ito ginawa ng Iglesia ni Cristo para kumita, hindi iyon ang layunin ng Iglesia ni Cristo. Binuo ang pelikula na ang tanging layunin po namin ay maging behikulo ito para lang sa ganoon ay sariwain sa isip at sa puso ng sinuman ang makakanood [na] may tunay na Diyos, na mahal niya ang tao, inaasahan niya na mamahalin siya ng taong nilalang niya.

(This [movie] was not made by Iglesia ni Cristo to make a profit, that’s not the goal of Iglesia ni Cristo. The movie was made with the sole purpose of being a vehicle to refresh in the mind and heart of anyone who watches it that there is a real God who loves mankind, and that he hopes he would be loved by mankind whom he created.)  

When asked his thoughts about Dennis Trillo giving life to the INC founder, Zabala said Dennis was able to portray him well based on the teaser shown.  (READ: How Dennis Trillo got the role of Felix Manalo in Iglesia ni Cristo movie)

“Hindi ko pa napapanood ‘yung pelikula. Pero doon sa nakita kong teaser, masasabi kong nabigyan niya ng hustisya yung tiwalang ibinigay sa kanya ng director at ng Viva Films. Sapagka’t sila ang nagpatotoo na kaya niyang gampanan at bigyang buhay yung napakahalagang kasaysayan or istorya ng kapatid na Felix Manalo,” he said. 

(I have not seen the film. But from the teaser, I can say that he did justice to the trust given to him by the director and Viva Films. Because they were the ones who made him believe he could portray and give life to story of Brother Felix Manalo.) 

Zabala also said besides helping Viva with the budget, the INC also made sure they were there to help with research and identifying people to star in the film. At the press conference, director Joel Lamangan said the film had a budget of P150 million.

Felix Manalo tells the story of the founder of the Iglesia ni Cristo. The trailer, which was shown on Sunday, August 16, portrays Manalo’s life from his days as a young boy to the establishment of the INC, estimated to have more than 2.5 million followers. (WATCH: Dennis Trillo as INC founder in ‘Felix Manalo’ movie trailer)

Felix Manalo opens on October 7. – Rappler.com