Synopsis

Emir is a full feature, musical film set in a fictional emirate in the Middle East.

It tells the story of a yaya (nanny), Amelia, a Filipina from Ilocos who decides to work abroad to help her family. We first see her in the sand dunes of Paoay, singing “Bakit Ako Naririto,” the movie’s signature song. She turns back and we see her in the desert of Arabia, travelling to the magnificent villa of the Sheik. She takes care of the Sheik’s wife who is about to give birth, and later acts as the yaya to the newly born, Ahmed, the Sheik’s eldest son.

Amelia sees Ahmed growing up, rearing him, and in the process, introducing the young boy to the
culture, values, and language of the Philippines. More than a nanny, Amelia acts as Ahmed’s surrogate mother and is even willing to offer her life to ensure his safety. When Ahmed almost drowns in a river in one of their vacations abroad, Amelia rescues him, endearing him more to the child and the Sheik’s family.

Ahmed is 12 years old when the Emirate is invaded by a neighboring state in a border dispute. The Sheik, who is abroad at that time, orders the evacuation of his family. However, before the evacuation is carried out, the villa is assaulted by enemy soldiers. Amelia flees to the desert with Ahmed, camping with the Bedouins, before they are rescued by the Sheik’s guards. In the ensuing turmoil, Amelia gets separated from Ahmed and is forced by circumstances to go back to the Philippines, unappreciated for the heroism she had done.

Seven years after her forced departure from the Emirates, Amelia is back in Paoay, tending a small
puesto in the market, selling Bagnet and Longganisang Vigan. Initially she gets letters from Ahmed on a regular basis but the letters have stopped coming. One day, Amelia goes home from the market when she is almost run over by speeding motorcycles and cars. A limousine stops in the middle of the road and a dashing young man steps out of the car. Amelia sees a familiar face. She asks Ahmed who is now a handsome 19 year–old crowned prince, “Bakit ka naririto?” The young man replies, “Bakit ako naririto?”

Amelia is embraced by Ahmed and she realizes that indeed, the hand that rocks the cradle, could rule the world. The film ends with a musical number featuring the Filipina yayas all over the world.

Production:

The film was the 1st movie musical of this magnitude thanks to the star-studded artistic staff hand-picked by Roño – Palanca award winner Jerry Gracio as writer, Neil Daza as director of photography, composers Gary Granada, Vin & Ebe Dancel, and Diwa de Leon, musical direction and arrangement by Chino Toledo (with the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra), lyrics by Granada, Gracio and Rody Vera, choreography by Douglas Nierras, production design by Digo Ricio and editing by Jerrold Tarog.

Cast:

The cast is headed by forthcoming actress and Who will be the Next Big Star sensation, Frencheska Farr. Joining her are fresh new talents as well as tv, film and theatre luminaries such as Sid Lucero, Julia Clarete, Jhong Hilario, Dulce, Bayang Barrios, Bodjie Pascua, Gigi Escalante, Beverly Salviejo, Liesl Batucan, Melanie Dujunco, and Kalila Aguilos.

→ Awards received in Luna Awards 2011: Best Picture, Best Director – Chito S. Rono, Best Cinematography – Neil Daza and Lee Meily, Best Editing – Jerrold Tarog