YOUNG actress on the red carpet of the Cine Filipino awards night. ARNOLD ALMACEN
For Jasmine Curtis-Smith, being part of the acclaimed indie drama “Transit” was a defining moment in her still blossoming career.
In her first film, the 19-year-old actress delivered a noteworthy performance that earned her the best supporting actress trophy in the New Breed section of the Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival this year.
Prior to “Transit,” Curtis-Smith’s exposure was being featured in TV5 drama series. She was also better known as Anne Curtis’ younger sister.
But with her award, the Kapatid talent felt she was finally getting recognized on her own merit.
“I’m just happy and overwhelmed because viewers and credible critics are starting to notice me; they acknowledge the fact that I’m good in what I do,” she told the Inquirer in an interview at the recent TV5 trade launch. “I was also happy that I was given the opportunity (to work) with veterans like Irma Adlawan.”
But Curtis-Smith admitted there was now pressure on her to show she deserved the award. “More eyes will be on me,” she pointed out. “I can’t be complacent. Kailangan galingan ko every time.”
Curtis-Smith said she intended to hone her skills by doing more indie films and accepting different types of roles. (She costarred in a Cine Filipino entry, Mike Alcazaren’s “Puti” as follow-up to “Transit.”)
No nude scenes
The young star, however, drew the line at taking off her clothes or doing kissing scenes.
“Aside from those things, I’m okay as long as what’s being asked of me will help the film. I’m still quite conservative,” she said.
“Transit”—directed by Hannah Espia and produced by Paul Soriano—apart from being declared best film by Cinemalaya, also got a special mention in the New Currents section of this year’s Busan International Film Festival in South Korea.
Last month, “Transit,” which tells the struggles of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Israel whose children face deportation, was chosen by the Film Academy of the Philippines as the country’s official entry in the 2014 Oscars’ foreign language film category.
Curtis-Smith said, more than the trophies and citations she and “Transit” had received, their most important accomplishment was to touch the hearts of OFWs around the world.
She recalled a meeting with a Switzerland-based Filipino, who came home recently and watched the movie. “She said she was overwhelmed by the realness of the film’s story. She might lead an entirely different life in Switzerland, but she said she could relate to the plight of OFWs in Israel,” Curtis-Smith said.
While doing the film in Israel, Curtis-Smith said she made friends with many Filipinos, who helped with their catering needs and took them to nice places where they could shoot.
“It was very touching because we didn’t know these people and yet they tirelessly helped us,” Curtis-Smith said. “The only thing that connected us was our being Filipinos. There’s a different kind of warmth when you see a fellow Filipino in a different country.”
Optimistic
The actor said she was very hopeful about “Transit’s” chances of making it to the Oscars.
“It’s well-shot and different. It highlights the great things about the local filmmaking industry. I hope they (Oscars judging panel) notice that; I hope they appreciate the film, as much as we did,” she said. “I’m super excited for foreigners to see it.”
Earlier reports said director Erik Matti expressed reservations about “Transit” being picked as the entry to the Oscars. Matti’s “On the Job” and Brillante Ma. Mendoza’s “Thy Womb” were said to be the two other films vying for the honor. Asked to comment, Curtis-Smith tactfully said she would be happy “regardless of which film was chosen. The important thing is being able to show something good to the rest of the world.”
Because of school work, Curtis-Smith, who is currently part of the TV5 gag show “Tropa Mo ’Ko Unli,” was not able to attend the recent Busan fest.
But if the film gods would smile on them and “Transit” made it to the Oscars, she said she would not miss the opportunity.
“I will definitely go! It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience; not going would be like turning your back on a blessing,” said Curtis-Smith.
(E-mail apolicarpio@inquirer.com.ph.)