The long-running dispute in the West Philippine Sea is set to reach the big screen through a new film that its creators hope will spark greater public awareness of one of the country's most pressing national issues.

Tentatively titled "Ang Mamatay Nang Dahil Sa'yo," the film is being produced by former broadcast journalist turned filmmaker Cesar Soriano's GreatCzar Media in collaboration with director-producer Philip King of FLIP The Script Productions.

Leading the cast are McCoy De Leon, Mon Confiado, Gold Aceron, Polo Laurel, and Arron Villaflor, with Mark Neumann, JR Velasco, and Yves Flores joining the ensemble.

Rather than focusing on large-scale military conflict, the film will center on the lives of Filipino soldiers stationed in the West Philippine Sea and the sacrifices they make while defending the country's maritime territory.

"I think it's about time that we tackle the subject matter on film. Nobody's willing so, I thought I should just do it myself," Soriano said during the film's cast reveal.

Despite the sensitive nature of the issue, Soriano insisted the production is not intended to provoke.

"We don't want to agitate. Our main aim is to inform. To create better understanding of the situation among our countrymen," he said.

Soriano brushed off concerns that the film could face controversy or encounter difficulties securing a theatrical release.

"We're just adding our two cents on the issue. We won't show anything that isn't true," he said.

Asked if the film might be considered too controversial for cinemas, he replied with a smile, "I have heard that before, but I'm positive that it won't happen."

King likewise stressed that audiences should not expect a traditional war movie.

"This is not a war film. It is mainly a film about brotherhood, about soldiers stationed there and how they cope with the hardships given to their situation," he explained.

The filmmaker acknowledged the project's ambitious scope, revealing that the production hopes to shoot many of its scenes aboard the BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal, the grounded Philippine Navy vessel that has become a symbol of the country's presence in the disputed waters.

"Yeah, I could already imagine the many challenges along the way, " King said with a smile.

He added that Soriano's years as a journalist have helped open discussions with government agencies, including the Armed Forces of the Philippines, for possible production support.

"He knows many of them through his work as journalist so there are already ongoing talks. Hopefully, we would gain enough support so we could create a great film," King said.

The producers are also eyeing international film festivals, believing the story has relevance beyond Philippine audiences.

"A film of this magnitude should do well to screen abroad. I think it's really meant for a broader audience," King said.

For the cast, the project represents more than just another acting job.

"For me as an actor, it's a once-in-a-lifetime role. If I can share it with my grandchildren that would be great," De Leon said.

Confiado admitted that portraying a soldier has also become an opportunity for him to better understand the complex territorial dispute.

"There's a lot to be learned through this film and I'm grateful to have been picked by the producers. Truth be told, I want to know more about the issue. It is something that I don't fully understand so, doing this film will hopefully not only enlighten me but also many of our countrymen," he shared.

Villaflor, meanwhile, expressed excitement over reuniting with Confiado on screen.

"I'm so happy to work again with Sir Mon. I am looking forward to working with him again. Anything goes. Whatever they ask us to do, I am more than willing to do it," he said.