Brillante on Sinag Maynila, Cannes

GREAT endeavors merit an encore. Just like the Sinag Maynila Film Festival, which is on its second year.

Conceptualized by businessman Wilson Tieng and internationally acclaimed director Brillante Ma. Mendoza, it gives grants to independent filmmakers, so they can develop their material to a full-length film.

Since its inauguration last year, the first set of films have debuted in various international film festivals.

This year’s lineup include: “Mrs.” by Adolfo Alix Jr., “Expressway” by Ato Bautista, “Dyamper” by Mes de Guzman, “TPO” by Jay Altarejos and “Lila” by Gino M. Santos.

Direk Dante (as Brillante is fondly called) is off to compete in the Cannes Film Festival again, after his historic win as best director for “Kinatay” seven years ago.

With him behind Sinag Maynila, the indie fest will definitely live up to its name and keep shining brightly à la brillante (diamond).

Here’s my tête-à-tête with mon ami (my friend), Dante:

How would you describe the five featured films in this year’s Sinag Maynila fest?

They are diverse and examine various social issues.

Why should Filipinos watch the Sinag Maynila entries?

To expose them to alternative films that present out-of-the-box topics that they would not ordinarily see in mainstream films.

What can “old school” directors learn from independent filmmakers?

To keep an open mind and flexibility in terms of technical and creative execution of films. Also the ability to adjust not only to the demands of the market, but also to what they need to watch; and the fast-changing technological advancements.

Tell us about your film, “Ma’ Rosa.”

It is in competition in this year’s Cannes film fest. It’s a story on the modus operandi of some corrupt policemen who would arrest small-time pushers and extort money as bail, while coercing them to point at another pusher, in exchange for their freedom—and so on.

How do you feel about competing in Cannes again?

Excited and pressured. The contenders include Sean Penn, Pedro Almodóvar, among others.

Winning best director in 2009 did not make me overconfident. It serves as my adrenaline boost.

If your life story were made into a movie, what would the title be?

“Amor.” Depicting various expressions of love other than the romantic sort. Love for country, the arts, etc.

‘Little boy lost’ charm

Aljur Abrenica has that “little boy lost” charm. His baby face and lean, mean body is quite a combination. He seems innocent yet sensual in equal parts.

Catch him in GMA 7’s romantic drama series, “Once Again,” with Janine Gutierrez. It is a tale of one great love told twice through reincarnation.

Here’s my one-on-one with Aljur:

What’s the best love lesson you’ve learned?

Love is not a possession, and it has to be expressed.

What do you find hard to understand about women?

Nothing. You just have to listen to them. I have high regard for women.

What turns you on and turns you off in a woman?

Good manners and kindness turn me on. Tactlessness turns me off.

What’s the naughtiest thing you’ve done?

Trust me—it’s too much to take.

What’s your fetish?

A flawless body.

How would you assess your career, so far?

I trust my management, because they know what’s best for me. And on my part, I work hard to enhance my skills.

What was the worst rumor about you, and how did you handle it?

I’ve been judged so many times. But I have learned to ignore the rumors about me, because I know the truth—and I know myself better.

How do you handle aggressive women?

I let them be—then, I take control.

Would you fall for an older woman?

Yes. I’ve been in love with older women before.

How would you like to be remembered?

As a super actor.

Personal

My fave neighborhood parlor, Oskee Cabeltis Salon (on Boni Avenue), opened its newest branch in the south, in front of SM Muntinlupa.

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