‘Eraserheads: Combo on the Run,’ Doc on Legendary Filipino Rock Band, Lands North American Theatrical Release via Abramorama (EXCLUSIVE)

The North American distribution rights for the acclaimed documentary "Eraserheads: Combo on the Run" have been secured by Abramorama from DVent Pictures, paving the way for a theatrical release across the continent. This acquisition is a landmark for the distributor, representing its first foray into releasing a film focused on Philippine music. Directed by Maria Diane Ventura, the feature provides a definitive chronicle of the legendary Filipino rock band, tracing their origins as university students in 1989 through their ascent to iconic status and a monumental reunion tour that drew nearly a quarter of a million fans.

To weave this narrative, Ventura employs a compelling mix of intimate interviews, rare archival material, and exclusive behind-the-scenes footage. The film meticulously details the Eraserheads' journey through fame, internal discord, and personal evolution, while also analyzing their deep cultural imprint on the Philippines. The band's rise coincided with a period of intense political polarization following the fall of the Marcos dictatorship, and their music became a crucial unifying force. Cultural historian Dr. Anya Reyes observes, "Their songs served as anthems for a society in transition, encapsulating the hopes and complexities of an era defined by both newfound freedom and deep-seated division." This context is vital, as the Eraserheads—Ely Buendia, Marcus Adoro, Buddy Zabala, and Raimund Marasigan—are often called "the Beatles of the Philippines" and are pillars of the OPM (Original Pilipino Music) genre.

The documentary arrives with significant accolades. It previously made history in its home country as the first Philippine music documentary to receive the widest local theatrical release via Warner Bros. and was the first Filipino film ever presented at San Diego Comic-Con. Its international festival success is highlighted by winning the Best International Documentary award at Greece's Ierapetra International Feature Documentary Festival, alongside official selections at events like the Hawaii International Film Festival and Doc Berlin.

Director Maria Diane Ventura expressed strong confidence in the new partnership, noting, "Abramorama is the perfect home for this film given their proven expertise in music documentaries and their appreciation for stories with profound cultural weight. While rooted in the band's specific journey, the film explores universal themes of conflict, reconciliation, and healing that resonate in any society navigating political upheaval." Abramorama executives echoed this sentiment, praising Ventura's ability to capture both the band's personal dynamics and the story's broader societal relevance.

The North American release will be managed by Joe Garel of Western Film Services in collaboration with Abramorama and AB2 Media Group, with a strategy focused on engaging the large Filipino diaspora, dedicated music enthusiasts, and specialty cinema markets. This effort follows the recent successful North American run of the Philippine romance "Hello, Love, Again." "Eraserheads: Combo on the Run" is slated to join Abramorama's prestigious catalog of music documentaries, which includes Ron Howard's Grammy-winning film on The Beatles. The theatrical rollout is scheduled to commence in multiple U.S. and Canadian cities starting April 24, introducing the band's legacy to a new audience. Their enduring appeal is quantified by over one billion streams on Spotify, and a landmark 1997 win as the first Filipino act to secure the MTV Asia’s Viewers Choice Award at the MTV Video Music Awards, a feat that solidified their pan-Asian influence.