The artist as bold actress

BANGS Garcia and Allen Dizon play a couple in the Sineng Pambansa entry.

Actress Bangs Garcia turned down the role of Lauriana twice because it required “extremely daring” scenes. But she said the Mel Chionglo period movie could empower women, so she finally said yes.

“Lauriana” is a three-part film based on a true story that took place in the 1950s. “It’s an advocacy film for women’s rights. My character is a battered wife married to a soldier, Samuel (Allen Dizon),” said Bangs.

The 26-year-old actress added: “I met with the production team three times before I got on board. That was when I got to read the script and saw how beautiful the story was. I realized that the sex scenes were crucial. Also, I felt it was time for me to step up in terms of acting. What I did for this film was unbelievable. It helped that I had a series of workshops with Direk Mel and Allen before we started filming.”

Bangs, who never worked with Chionglo before “Lauriana,” said the latter was the “coolest director.” She explained, “He treated his actors like his barkada. ’Di siya masungit (he’s not a grouch). We never felt pressured, even while doing heavy scenes. He was so nice to everyone but still commanded respect.”

Before this one, Chionglo’s last project was the sexy film “Twilight Dancers” (2006). Bangs said her director was very focused and asked as much of her. “Direk told me that as soon as I arrived on the set, I should forget about being Bangs Garcia, and immediately become my character.”

She learned to wring emotions out of personal experiences. “But sometimes I had to react to unfamiliar situations. That was when my creativity was put to the test,” she said. “I think it helped that I’m an artist. I paint; I’m very imaginative.”

“Lauriana” is one of 12 entries to the 2013 Sineng Pambansa Film Festival: All Masters Edition, which starts Sept. 11. It will be shown in over 300 SM cinemas nationwide.

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