Lotlot and friends go to Bollywood
CLOCKWISE from top left: Miguel Bagtas, Allan Ibañez, Dexter Hemedez, Darwin Yu, Sebastian Vargas and Lotlot de Leon
Lotlot de Leon had to buy new luggage for a trip abroad, her first time to attend an international film festival.
“All my maletas (suitcases) are pretty old-school,” she said.
Although her mother, world-renowned actress Nora Aunor, has graced several film fests abroad, Lotlot is a relative neophyte in the international circuit.
Needless to say, she said she’s looking forward to represent Dexter Hemedez and Allan Ibañez’s “1st Sem” at the All Lights India International Film Festival in Hyderabad, India, ongoing until tomorrow.
“I will attend the red-carpet premiere and the awards night,” Lotlot told the Inquirer. “I’m so nervous. Grabe!”
Lotlot volunteered that the dramedy had already won an award in another foreign festival.
Dexter shared that Neil Daza bagged the “award of recognition in cinematography” for “1st Sem” at the Cinema World Fest Awards in Ottawa, Canada, last July.
The CineFilipino entry is competing in the section for debuting directors at the All Lights fest. Louie Ignacio’s “Laut” is included in the tilt for veterans.
Joining Lotlot in India are the film’s directors Dexter and Allan, along with costar Darwin Yu (who plays her son in the movie) and executive producer Carlson Chan.
“We’re very excited…it’s our film’s international premiere,” Dexter explained. “We’re truly thankful for the rare opportunity to have a screening at the Ramoji Film City, the world’s largest film studio.”
Allan agreed: “It’s a huge honor to be selected—particularly because I’m a fan of Bollywood movies. Films like ‘3 Idiots’ and ‘Like Stars on Earth’ are close to my heart. That’s why attending the All Lights fest is special to me.”
Dexter related that he’s raring to attend not only the screenings, but also the activities in the Indywood Film Market. “We will be given the chance to network with foreign filmmakers, festival programmers, industry colleagues and potential investors.”
Allan aims to watch as many foreign movies as possible. “But it is also interesting to watch ‘1st Sem’ with viewers from India. I want to learn from this experience…and see how they will respond to a story that is deeply rooted in Filipino culture.”
“1st Sem” tells the story of an overprotective mother who has difficulty parting with her eldest son, who’s going off to college.
For Dexter, the trip is also memorable because it’s also his first time to board an airplane.
It’s a series of firsts for Lotlot and friends.
