JOHN Arcilla in “Metro Manila”
John Arcilla is like family to me. His late Auntie Erly was one of my mom’s “loyalists.” John was also the acting coach of my dala-gay, IC, during his child actor days. That’s why I’m mighty proud of John, who’s making waves in the international scene.
His movie, “Metro Manila” (helmed and cowritten by acclaimed British director Sean Ellis), bagged the Audience Award in the World Cinema-Dramatic section of the Sundance Film Festival.
Also in the film are Jake Macapagal and Althea Vega, who play a poverty-stricken couple from the Mountain Province seeking greener pastures in chaotic Metro Manila.
It will represent the United Kingdom in the best foreign language category of the 86th Oscars derby. John’s portrayal of a tough security officer has drawn spectacular reviews from foreign critics.
Kudos, John for bringing home the bacon. Our country is in dire need of that kind of “pork” these days.
What made “Metro Manila” clinch the Sundance award?
The plot is very simple, very “mainstream.” But its texture, the shot composition, and Sean’s point of view blend well with his storytelling and honest philosophy about art and reality—these elements made the film powerful. As actors, we blended well with his intentions.
How did your involvement with the project start?
When I auditioned, I wasn’t really excited. I knew Sean was an Oscar nominee for his short film (“Cashback”). I thought, how could someone from a different country write a good film about us? That kept bugging me even after I auditioned, especially when he said he visited the Philippines only once. He got inspired by a scene he saw between two security guards.
In 2011, he started the project. A lot of things were going on in our country that year and I thought I wouldn’t accept it if an outsider mocked our situation. He gave me the script, and as soon as I started reading, I was hooked! Suddenly, I felt lucky. It’s a good thing that Sean decided to do it here instead of in another country.
Tell us about your Sundance experience.
Utah was snowy. Sean and Jake were not even planning to stay until the fest’s end. I guess Sean didn’t want to expect, but I was ready to stay until the end. I told him and his wife Tilly that I would stay because somebody had to receive our trophy. They thought I was crazy!
We saw how delegates from different countries received our film. There were standing ovations and tears. My intuition was right. When the emcee called “Metro Manila,” I couldn’t stop myself from shouting!
Why is “Metro Manila” a must-see?
The theme is so universal that everyone can relate to its take on sacrifice and survival. It can happen in any city. And Sean is one hell of an artist.
What’s the difference between working with a Filipino crew and a foreign one?
From “Amigo” to “The Bourne Legacy,” to “Metro Manila,” most crews are mixed. Pinoys are so competent that they can work reliably even under pressure. Foreigners were so impressed by our crew’s professionalism.
I must say that the discipline of an eight-hour work schedule matters to them. I think that will also make a difference here. I would really love for that to happen in our industry.
Tell us about your close encounters with Hollywood stars.
Rachel Weisz and I had time to talk (on the set of “Bourne”). She was so bothered by the shanties and poverty. She wondered what the government was doing about it. She was so nice and very down-to-earth.
What’s your formula for good acting?
Analyze the script. Be real. Listen to coactors. Explore, play around, go out of the box but don’t lose respect for others’ work. Acting is a collaborative process.
What tips do you give aspiring actors?
Everyone is an actor. The only difference between professionals and everyone else is that they do not mind doing it again and again in front of cameras, for a purpose that is bigger than them.