A new documentary chronicling one of the most influential bands in Filipino music has hit theatres across North America .
“Eraserheads: Combo on the Run,” directed by Filipino-American filmmaker Maria Diane Ventura, opened April 24, offering an intimate look at the rise, breakup and reunion of the Eraserheads, a band often described as the “Beatles of the Philippines.”
The 102-minute film blends concert-scale storytelling with a closer examination of the personal dynamics between band members Ely Buendia, Raimund Marasigan, Buddy Zabala and Marcus Adoro. It centres on the group’s cultural impact and their 2022 reunion concert, “Huling El Bimbo,” which drew massive audiences and briefly united a politically divided country.
SWOMP caught up with Buendia and Ventura for an interview. Listen, below:
Ventura said the project goes beyond music, aiming to capture a broader portrait of Filipino identity during a time of social and political change.
“Combo on the Run is not just a documentary about an iconic band,” she said in a statement. “It is a celebration of their journey, their music, and their role in shaping the cultural fabric of the Philippines.”
The film positions the band’s story alongside the evolving national landscape, drawing parallels between their internal struggles and a society grappling with division and uncertainty.
Formed in 1989 in Quezon City, the Eraserheads rose to prominence in the 1990s with albums such as “Ultraelectromagneticpop!,” “Circus” and “Cutterpillow,” helping define the sound of modern Filipino rock. Their influence has endured decades after their 2001 breakup, with their music continuing to reach global audiences through streaming platforms.
Ventura, who has worked across music and film industries in Los Angeles and Berlin, said the documentary also reflects themes of communication and reconciliation.
“At its heart, this film is about connection,” she said. “It reflects what happens when people struggle to express themselves, and how difficult yet necessary it is to find a way back to one another.”
Produced by Mano Y Mano, Offshore Music and Voyage Studios, the film features a mix of archival footage, behind-the-scenes access and interviews, offering both longtime fans and new audiences insight into the band’s legacy.
“Eraserheads: Combo on the Run” started screening in select theatres across North America on April 24.
Watch the trailer, below:
More details are available at https://eraserheadsfilm.com/.