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‘Edjop’ is Coming to Philippine Cinemas This Year

Edjop stars Elijah Canlas as its titular activist and follows his life, activism, and death during martial law

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Elijah Canlas in Edjop. Photo from Elijah Canlas/Instagram

It’s been five years in the making, but director Katski Flores’ Edjop, the biopic of activist Edgar “Edjop” Jopson, is finally coming to cinemas.

A new trailer for the biopic, starring Elijah Canlas as its titular activist, confirms the film is slated for a 2026 release, though a specific date has not yet been set. The film follows Jopson’s life as he navigates the martial law regime of former President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. Jopson, then the president of the National Union of Students of the Philippines, became one of the most well-known figures of the student movement against the dictator. Joining Canlas in the cast are Jodi Sta. Maria and Cedrick Juan.

The trailer reveals little of the biopic’s details, but it opens with Edjop sprawled on the floor after presumably being beaten by the military officers detaining him.

“Hindi madali,” Canlas says in a voiceover in the latest trailer. “Kahit anong landas ang piliin mo, sa akin o sa iba, hindi magiging madali. Kaya maging matapang ka, ha? Maging matapang kayo. Never forget.”

In an interview with Rolling Stone Philippines, Canlas spoke about Edjop and how meaningful the biopic’s message will be to today’s Filipino audiences. “Stories like Edjop will be a wakeup call for people,” said Canlas. “There’s not a perfect time more than now to tell this story.”

Frequently Asked QUestions

“Edjop” is confirmed for a 2026 release in Philippine cinemas, according to its new trailer, though a specific premiere date has not yet been announced.

Elijah Canlas stars as Edgar “Edjop” Jopson, joined by Jodi Sta. Maria and Cedrick Juan. The film is directed by Katski Flores.

Edgar Jopson was a Filipino student activist and president of the National Union of Students of the Philippines, known for opposing the Martial Law regime of President Ferdinand Marcos Sr.

Canlas told Rolling Stone Philippines that “stories like Edjop will be a wakeup call for people,” adding, “There’s not a perfect time more than now to tell this story.”

The trailer opens with Edjop on the floor after apparently being beaten by military officers, with Canlas delivering a voiceover urging viewers to “maging matapang” (be brave) and “never forget.”

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Mel Wang

Mel Wang

Contributing Writer

Mel Wang is a contributing writer specializing in film, television, and literature. She writes reviews, essays, and has profiled Hollywood actors such as David Corenswet and Steve Carell, director Jade Castro, and romance author Mina Esguerra.

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