Coco Martin on the best way to silence MMFF critics

Coco Martin with “Ang Panday” kids

The best way to silence critics is by coming up with a good film,” said Coco Martin, whose fantasy-adventure film “Ang Panday” was chosen to be part of the lineup of this year’s Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) in December.

The Inquirer sought his reaction to the resignation of three of the 24 members of the executive committee over the direction of the festival.

“We tried our luck last year but didn’t make the cut—that’s OK. We just didn’t give up on the dream of entertaining our audience,” said Coco, who will cowrite “Ang Panday” with Joel Mercado, as well as direct and star in it.

“We all have different opinions, different tastes … We were chosen so we will just have to work doubly hard to show people that we deserve this.”

Asked for his message to the MMFF organizers, the actor said: “There always seems to be protests (on the choices of finalists) every year. I hope that they will be able to settle whatever disagreements they have this time. We should remember why we are doing this. This is for the industry, for the Filipino audience.”

Coco promised to come up with a film that would be “worth their (viewers’) trip to the cinemas and their hard-earned money … We want to make sure that we will not be left behind, particularly in terms of special effects and storytelling. This is my first directorial job. I want this project to be something I can proudly show my future children.”

“Ang Panday” is based on the fictional comics character of the same name that was created by Carlo J. Caparas and illustrated by Steve Gan. The late Fernando Poe Jr. made four films on the well-loved superhero in the 1980s, all of which were shown at the MMFF.

“This is a modern take on an old story. I will not play the same Panday character of FPJ; mine will continue his legacy. I will inherit his magical sword,” explained Coco at a recent press conference.

Some 70 percent of the “Ang Panday” cast are members of the cast of Coco’s top-rated action-drama series, FPJ’s “Ang Probinsyano.”

Binibining Pilipinas International 2017 Mariel de Leon, daughter of actors Christopher de Leon and Sandy Andolong, will be Coco’s leading lady.