Messages of support from prominent figures arrive!

An Italian production, "Blanka and the Guitarist" is a heartwarming and moving film set in the Philippines. Through the journey of a young girl searching for happiness as she sets out to buy her mother, it teaches us that every life has the courage and value to face its challenges.

Manila, the capital of the Philippines. Blanka, an orphan living on the streets of a bustling slum, conceives the idea of buying a mother with money. One day, she meets Peter, a blind guitarist, who encourages her to earn money by singing. Blanka then...


The role of Blanka is played by Zaijian Jalaena, who gained popularity both domestically and internationally as a YouTube singing sensation. Peter, the blind guitarist who teaches her how to survive, is portrayed by Peter Millari, who actually worked as a street musician in the Philippines. Most of the other cast members were also cast from the streets.

Despite it being her acting debut, Zaijian Jalaena captivates viewers with her beautiful singing voice and acting skills in the highly anticipated film "Blanka and the Guitarist." Ahead of its release, we have received comments from various prominent figures who have already seen the film, indicating high expectations.

Tadanobu Asano (Actor)
I couldn't stop crying at the form of love that the girl Blanka ultimately found.

UA (Singer)
Even if evil has no size, children must act out their immaturity.
But what's important is that BLANKA is imbued with fantasy throughout.
No adult can condemn their actions as sinful. And above all, Blanka's tears, born from amniotic fluid as clear as crystal, are the greatest gift. It feels as though even my own resonating tears are purified. I believe that is what expression is. The blind man says, "Everything that happens in the movie is real."
I am grateful for the series of small miracles. If movies can eliminate war, perhaps this world can too, and this film makes you want to believe it.
And the children will no longer steal. Thank you for the quiet prayer.

Masao Kusakari (Actor)
Despite sorrow and suffering, there is so much love. Peter's guitar melody is comforting.

Christopher Doyle (Cinematographer)
I was jealous of the exquisite visual beauty of the film "Blanka and the Guitarist." Those streets are not a "slum" but a "poem."
The dignity of the characters is celebrated in every frame, as true as Blanka's smile, and as greedy as love. The way the characters exist in the film resonates and continues to fascinate, just as the blind Peter feels. This film elevates the street, a film of the street that celebrates it. And it is a story for all those who "need" and share with us "trust."

HSU / Suchmos (Musician)
This film is packed with realism. After watching it, I felt a sense of pride in being a musician for some reason. It's full of reality, and the screen is beautiful and cool!!

Teruko Takano (Global Communicator, Traveler, Essayist)
Go on a journey and learn to love yourself! Happiness and where you want to live are things you can actually decide for yourself.

Keiko Takeshita (Actress)
I forgot it was a story and just watched. The girl's direct gaze cleansed my heart too. Thank you!

Machi Tawara (Poet)
What can be seen, what can be bought with money. There is something more than that. It's a film that makes you want to love life.

Yuri Nomura (Chef)
Blanka's journey, a girl living on the streets searching for a place to belong and for love, is harsh, yet the screen is filled with an unwavering belief and tender gaze. Thank you!

Peter Barakan (Broadcaster)
The endearing nature of Blanka, who is grateful just to be able to sleep in a bed, is extraordinary. It may sound cliché, but it's a truly wonderful film that warms the heart.

Nijiro Murakami (Actor)
Boys and girls running around the slum. Though they have no money, no home, no parents, they were more alluring and radiant than anyone I've ever met.

Blanka and the Guitarist
Director & Screenplay | Hiroki Hasei
Cast | Zaijian Jalaena, Peter Millari, Jomal Bisyo, Raymond Camacho
Original Title | BLANKA
Year of Production | 2015
Country of Production | Italy
Language | Tagalog
Runtime | 77 minutes
Distributor | Transformer
Release Date | July 29, 2017, nationwide release starting at Cine Switch Ginza and other theaters