Indonesia’s ‘2nd Miracle in Cell No. 7’ Gets Philippine Remake From Viva Communications (EXCLUSIVE)
What's happening
Philippine studio Viva Communications has secured remake rights to the Indonesian film "2nd Miracle in Cell No. 7," marking the first official adaptation of an Indonesian film for Philippine audiences. The remake is scheduled to premiere on December 25.
Who's involved
Viva Communications Inc., a Philippine-based media company founded in 1981 by Vic del Rosario Jr. and his sister Tess Cruz, is producing the adaptation. The studio is headquartered in Ortigas Center, Pasig, and operates as a major player in Philippine entertainment.
Why it matters
This remake represents a significant milestone in cross-Southeast Asian film adaptation, establishing a precedent for Indonesian content entering the Philippine market through official channels. The Christmas Day release positions the film for major commercial exposure during the lucrative holiday viewing period, potentially signaling growing appetite for remakes of Asian stories across regional markets.
The story
Philippine studio Viva Communications has acquired the remake rights to the Indonesian film "2nd Miracle in Cell No. 7," according to Variety, marking a notable expansion in cross-regional collaboration within Southeast Asian cinema. The adaptation represents the first time an Indonesian film will receive an official remake for the Philippine market, a milestone that underscores growing interest in repurposing successful Asian stories across different territories and audiences.
Viva Communications, founded in 1981 by Vic del Rosario Jr. and his sister Tess Cruz and headquartered in Ortigas Center, Pasig, has established itself as a major force in Philippine entertainment. The studio's acquisition of these remake rights reflects its strategic positioning to capitalize on proven story concepts that have resonated with audiences in neighboring markets.
The remake is slated for a December 25 release, placing it squarely in the year-end holiday viewing season when Philippine audiences traditionally consume entertainment with family. This timing positions the film to benefit from peak theatrical attendance and aligns with the Metro Manila Film Festival schedule, suggesting the studio's confidence in the property's commercial potential.
The original Indonesian film drew upon themes of redemption, familial bonds, and unexpected friendships forged in unlikely circumstances. These narrative elements have proven adaptable across cultural contexts, as evidenced by earlier South Korean and regional adaptations that explored similar emotional territories.
The deal signals a shift in how Filipino studios approach content acquisition, moving beyond exclusive focus on domestic productions to actively pursuing licensed remakes of proven international properties. This approach mirrors strategies employed by studios across Asia, where successful films are adapted to reflect local sensibilities while retaining core narrative and emotional appeals.