Allen Dizon goes to San Sebastian

Allen Dizon in “Alpha: The Right to Kill”

Next stop for Allen Dizon is the San Sebastian International Film Festival, in Spain, where his latest movie, Brillante Ma Mendoza’s “Alpha: The Right to Kill,” is competing in the main tilt, set from Sept. 21 to 29.

Although Dizon is no stranger to cinema events abroad, it’ll be his first time to attend San Sebastian—one of the top-tier, A-list festivals in the world.

“I’ve been to at least nine big festivals, but I am especially proud that our film will compete in San Sebastian,” he told the Inquirer. “It’s important for both Filipinos and foreigners to watch this film, so that they will be made more aware of what’s happening in our country.”

In the gritty urban drama, Dizon plays a policeman with a dangerous secret, like the crooked cop he played in Mendoza’s Netflix series, “Amo.” “Misteryoso siya at mapanganib.”

He explained that his director didn’t ask him to act up a storm in “Alpha.” “I didn’t have to exert extra effort because Direk Brillante wanted me to be as natural as possible … no acting dapat. That was why I enjoyed myself on the set.”

He related that collaborating with Mendoza was a pleasant experience. “Masarap at masaya siya katrabaho. He had his own style, and he knew what he wanted in every shot and in every scene, but he also gave us freedom to interpret the role our way.”

Apart from “Alpha,” Dizon has another film in the works with the Cannes-winning director—“Maguindanaw,” where he plays the soldier-husband of Judy Ann Santos.

Mendoza likewise plans to premiere “Maguindanaw” in a festival abroad.

He feels ecstatic that he is topbilling two Mendoza films back to back. “Nagkataon lang siguro. It felt great that he had chosen me for those two roles. The timing was just right.”

He related that he derives a different kind of fulfillment every time he represents the country in an international festival. “Nakakataba ng puso (It’s heartening). It’s inspiring. It encourages me to make more meaningful movies.”

As bonus, he gets to savor exotic cuisine in every destination and admire the scenery with his wife, Eric Crystle. “I travel with my wife everywhere, and we make sure to sample different dishes abroad.”

Now, his teenage daughter Ixia is following in his footsteps.

She was part of the ensemble of Louie Ignacio’s “School Service,” an entry in the recently concluded Cinemalaya fest.

“Nakakatuwa. Very natural ang acting ng anak ko,” the proud papa quipped. “I guess, acting is in the blood. I’m also thankful to Direk Louie for giving my daughter a break. I advised Ixia to finish school first. But if the offer will not affect her studies, then it’s OK.”

Aside from Santos, Dizon is paired with two other young leading ladies, Lovi Poe and Mariel de Leon, in Ralston Jover’s “Latay,” where the award-winning actor portrays a battered husband.

Meanwhile, he was cast as a blind man accused of murder in another Jover film, “PerSons of Interest,” which is also set to debut abroad.

Jover can be intense on the set, Dizon recounted. “We talk a lot between takes. He really takes the time to explain the part to me. That’s why I love working with Direk Ralston—especially in challenging projects like those two movies.”