Direk Brillante Ma. Mendoza’s Midas touch

BRILLANTE Ma. Mendoza Eloisa Lopez

Brillante “Dante” Ma. Mendoza could very well be called Midas because everything he works on garners a gold (Palme d’Or, which means Golden Palm, the prestigious award at the Cannes fest).

After winning best director at Cannes in 2009 for his film, “Kinatay,” direk Dante paved the way for Jaclyn Jose (lead actress of “Ma’ Rosa”) to win the best actress plum this year. What an awesome mentor mon ami (my friend, that’s how I fondly call him) truly is.

If the French have their la vie en rose (life in pink), we Pinoys are now celebrating la vida a la (life like) Ma’ Rosa. Jaclyn’s victory is indeed a triumph of the Pinoy spirit of finding beauty among the ruins.

Here’s my tête-à-tête with Brillante:

What made your Cannes experience different this year?

I was able to bring along the young talents and staff of “Ma’ Rosa.” It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience to walk on the red carpet, and see films from other countries that are competing in an international film fest to expand their knowledge.

What went through your mind as you teared up when they gave you and the “Ma’ Rosa” cast a standing ovation?

The feeling was overwhelming, especially the long applause. Very uplifting. This isn’t about me—it is a tribute to the Filipino family and the entire Filipino nation.

What reaction from your peers in Cannes made the most impact on you?

The reactions of young filmmakers from Iran and Brazil in the short film section—when I conducted a master class, I was touched and inspired by how well they know my films and the style I use.

What do you think was Jaclyn’s edge over the other best actress contenders?

Her acting style is quite natural. She is consistent in the film. There was not a moment that she dropped her character. She did not act.

How did you motivate  Jaclyn in her portrayal of Rosa?

I allowed her to immerse and interact with the people in the location.

What lessons learned at Cannes do you want to share with other filmmakers?

Be original. Don’t be afraid to tell stories about our country.

What’s your unsolicited advice to incoming President Duterte about the film industry?

Even if the film industry is not a priority, at least put it on his list.

Fierce women

Catch the TV magazine talk show on Lifestyle, “Modern Girls” (Fridays at 9 p.m.), hosted by three fierce women who  epitomize the hip Filipino woman—volleyball sensation Gretchen Ho, radio jock Sam Oh and actress Denise Laurel. Episodes will focus on themes like  love, fitness, beauty, music, art and food. It’s a Filipino woman’s survival manual on the air.

Personal

Muchas gracias to my newfound amiga Meggy Macion; cool colleagues Nat Tomada, Shirley Pizarro and Isah Red, and my fave vodka buddy, Gary Dujali, for such a great time in Davao.