From indie to maindie

Sigrid Andrea Bernardo

Filmmaker Sigrid Andrea Bernardo said she didn’t think she would be able to cross over from indie to mainstream—or that there was actually any need to. After all, she pointed out, she didn’t believe that there should be such demarcation at all.

“It’s possible to make the jump—tiyaga lang talaga. But for me, at the end of the day, it’s all about making films that you want, films that you think the people will love,” she said at a recent press conference for her new movie, “Mr. & Mrs. Cruz (opens Jan. 24).

“Personal happiness is important. Releasing a movie you’re not happy with will haunt you forever. The movie may not earn well or receive good reviews, but as long as you’re happy with it, everything will be fine,” said Bernardo, who’s slowly getting used to dealing with overeager producers wanting to have a hand in her work.

“I just pray and count to 10,” she said, laughing. “But no, they have that right
because they’re your producers.”

“But still, you have to make sure that you don’t compromise too much,” stressed Bernardo, who directed the acclaimed “Ang Huling Cha-Cha ni Anita” and the blockbuster hit, “Kita Kita.” “The relationship should be collaborative.” —ALLAN POLICARPIO