After weeks of candidate reveals, pageant walks and social media speculation, the truth behind “Queen of the Islands” is finally out: the viral competition is not a new national pageant, but the centerpiece of GMA Pictures’ upcoming satirical comedy, “Red Crown.”
GMA Pictures made the reveal on Aug. 28, ending a campaign that had pageant followers choosing their bets and debating who could take home the crown.
The rollout was designed to look convincingly like an actual pageant launch. It came complete with candidate posters, rehearsal footage, pasarela or pageant-walk videos, sponsor announcements, dedicated social media accounts and a formal presentation attended by members of the pageant press and content creators.
Behind the elaborate setup is a comedy that turns its camera on the intensely competitive world beneath the gowns, glamour and carefully practiced walks. GMA Pictures describes “Red Crown” as a satirical take on the rivalries and bardagulan — or free-for-all exchanges — that erupt when contestants are determined to outplay one another.
Dominic Zapata directs the film from a screenplay by Kit Villanueva and Ken de Leon.
Its large ensemble brings together real-life pageant personalities and Sparkle artists, including Michelle Marquez Dee, Ara Arida, MJ Lastimosa, Gazini Ganados, Ahtisa Manalo, Yana Aduana, Herlene Budol, Alethea Ambrosio, Sanya Lopez, Ashley Ortega, Faith da Silva and Shuvee Etrata.
GMA Pictures has yet to reveal the complete storyline and additional cast members, keeping the outcome of the fictional competition — and the identity of its eventual queen — under wraps.
“Red Crown” opens in cinemas nationwide in October.
