Jo Koy film ‘Easter Sunday’ highlights Filipino culture, behavior

Jo Koy’s film “Easter Sunday” puts the spotlight on Filipino culture and behavior.

In an interview with GMA stringer Janet Nepales, the Filipino-American comedian said the movie aimed to break the stigma of racism.

“It’s everything. This is like a chance for us to give a voice, get to be seen. We’re not invisible anymore or pretend to be invisible,” said Jo, as shown on Nelson Canlas’ “24 Oras” report Tuesday.

“This is the fight we get to wave high and not only is it a win for Filipinos, but a win for everybody.”

Jo said the film would feature Filipino practices such as sending gifts to family in the Philippines. He added that he was inspired by Rob Schneider, who said a Filipino word in the movie “Deuce Bigalow.”

“No one knew what it was in the theatre. It meant everything to me,” he said. “I felt like ‘okay, there’s a Filipino in this movie.’ That inspired me as a kid.”

Joining Jo Koy in the cast are several Fil-Am Hollywood artists, including Tia Carrere, Eva Noblezada, Lou Diamond Phillips, and Lydia Gaston, among other actors.

Jo Koy also worked hand-in-hand with Hollywood icon and renowned director Steven Spielberg.

“If not for Steven Spielberg and Jo Koy’s stardom, we wouldn’t be opening a predominantly Filipino cast on 3,500 screens. It took the might of Steven Spielberg to say, ‘yes, this is an important story to tell,” said Tia.

Written by Ken Cheng and directed by Chandrasekhar, the film follows Jo Koy as Joe Valencia, a struggling actor, comedian, and single father who attends a reunion with his dysfunctional Fil-Am family on Easter Sunday.

Among those who graced the movie’s premiere in Hollywood a few days ago was Sharon Cuneta. – Franchesca Viernes/RC, GMA News