The distribution giant’s first Philippine documentary will screen in multiple cinemas across US and Canada on April 24, 2026
In a historic first, film distributor Abramorama has acquired the North American theatrical rights to Eraserheads: Combo On The Run, marking the company’s first-ever Philippine documentary acquisition.
“The announcement follows the film’s strong international festival run and places it alongside Abramorama’s celebrated lineup of music documentaries, which includes Ron Howard’s The Beatles: Eight Days a Week – The Touring Years; Oscar Sansom’s Placebo: This Search for Meaning; John McDermott’s Electric Lady Studios: A Jimi Hendrix Vision and Carole King: Home Again; as well as Coldplay: Moon Music, presented as a global theatrical listening event.”
The acquisition will be officially celebrated at South by Southwest 2026 next month, where the upcoming theatrical rollout in the United States and Canada will be formally announced.
Directed and produced by Maria Diane Ventura, Eraserheads: Combo On The Run chronicles the remarkable story of Eraserheads—widely regarded as the most influential band in Philippine music history. The documentary traces the band’s journey from their formation at University of the Philippines Diliman to their meteoric rise as the defining voice of a generation, their painful breakup, and their eventual resurgence years later.
Set against the backdrop of the Philippines’ evolving socio-political climate, the film places the band’s narrative within a nation grappling with deep political divisions—illustrating how their music and legacy became deeply woven into the country’s cultural memory.
Blending intimate interviews, rare archival material, and unfiltered behind-the-scenes access, the documentary explores themes of fame, fracture, growth, and legacy, while highlighting the enduring connection between the band and generations of fans shaped by their music.
Ventura expressed excitement about the international partnership, noting that Abramorama is the ideal home for the film.
“They understand stories that resonate on a deeper cultural level,” Ventura said. “While the film is rooted in the Eraserheads’ music, it ultimately speaks to division, reconciliation, and healing during a turbulent political moment. Those themes feel especially relevant today—not only for Filipinos, but for audiences everywhere.”
She added that the film also aims to introduce the band and their music to a new generation while expanding the visibility of Filipino storytelling on the global stage.
“Filipinos are part of communities all around the world, and I hope this film helps people see us with greater nuance and depth. When audiences recognize themselves in a story, it creates empathy, connection, and a sense of shared humanity across cultures.”
Even before its North American release, the documentary has already reached several historic milestones. It became the first Filipino music documentary to receive the widest theatrical release in the Philippines, distributed locally by Warner Bros.. It also made history as the first Filipino film screened at San Diego Comic-Con.
The film has continued to gain recognition on the international festival circuit, winning Best International Documentary at the Ierapetra International Documentary Festival in Greece. It also screened as part of the Spotlight on the Philippines program at the Hawaii International Film Festival, and was featured at Doc Berlin and the Liverpool Film Festival.
With its powerful storytelling and cultural resonance, Eraserheads: Combo On The Run continues to expand its global reach—bringing one of the Philippines’ most iconic musical legacies to audiences around the world.
For updates, announcements, and ticket information, visit eraserheadsfilm.com.
Watch the trailer:
https://youtu.be/HlAt0p2kQbM?si=cVCbqXSj-mMRnhnF
