Janine Gutierrez proves that her being choosy with projects is ‘doing the right thing’

Janine Gutierrez

It’s actually because I started choosing my projects that I got an Urian,” said actress Janine Gutierrez when Inquirer Entertainment asked whether she has become pickier with the roles she takes on now that she is a proud owner of a Gawad Urian for best actress.

Janine received the recognition from the Manunuri ng Pelikulang Pilipino for her performance in Rae Red’s revenge thriller “Babae at Baril” in 2019.

For Janine, an award is an affirmation that “I’m doing the right thing; that it’s always good to work on projects that you believe in, and to collaborate with a team that you trust,” she pointed out. “This started with the film ‘Elise.’ I really liked the project after reading its script. When it was released, I was surprised to discover that it was a lot better than what I imagined. I’m not saying this because I’m biased. I actually didn’t expect it would come out as beautiful as it did.”

Easy Ferrer’s romantic comedy “Elise,” which also features Enchong Dee, was also released in 2019.

“‘Elise’ started it all for me. I told myself that if I’d say ‘yes’ to something, it has to be as good as this one,” declared Janine, who went on to make the Prime Cruz romantic drama “Ngayon Kaya,” opposite rumored boyfriend Paulo Avelino.

Gutierrez (left) with Lovi Poe

“I wish to keep making worthwhile films, and for the local audience to patronize them, as well as all the others that are currently being released, especially on the big screen. I also wish to continue watching them at the cinemas, where the experience is still something else,” Janine said, adding that she was aware of the struggles that the producers of “Ngayon Kaya” had to go through prior to releasing the film. It was supposed to participate in a film festival that got canceled when the COVID-19 pandemic broke out in 2020.

Mandatory screening

“During its theatrical run, the producers then had to struggle with the fact that there weren’t enough cinemas screening the film. I would get so many DMs (direct messages) asking why there were no screenings in Bohol, for example. It’s as if I have the power to command cinema operators to show it,” Janine pointed out.

“I also wish that, in the future—especially since we have a new FDCP (Film Development Council of the Philippines) chair—the screenings of local films would be mandatory in all movie houses, even just for a week. This could also signify support by cinema operators for the film industry. We really need all the help we can get,” the actress declared.

Gutierrez (left) with Zanjoe Marudo

While Janine said she also wished to make an international project someday, her immediate personal goal is to help make sure that the projects she has agreed to take part in—such as Real Florido’s romantic drama about deafness, “Bakit ‘Di Mo Sabihin?” with JC de Vera; and Samantha Lee’s queer drama “Sleep With Me,” with Lovi Poe—will be able to reach their intended audiences. “I wish that those who made them would succeed in sharing their stories and that those who need to watch and listen to them will be able to do so,” she stressed.

Janine is currently working on the Kapamilya network-produced TV series “Dirty Linen,” opposite Zanjoe Marudo. She claimed to be feeling “super excited” about playing “a strong female character.”

Suspenseful

“Early on, I already noticed that sense of family and teamwork on the set. The cast is beautiful. I’m thrilled to be closely working with Sir Joel Torre. He is really one of my idols. Kilig na kilig ako when I learned he is part of the team, along with Christian Bables, whom I’ve also wanted to work with for some time now,” the actress said.

Janine added that she was also thrilled to see that veteran actress, Tessie Tomas, and her good friend, Jennica Garcia, are part of the cast. “I know that all the characters are given beautiful and interesting arcs, and that they are all intertwined. Too bad I can’t say anything more about the show, except that its story is quite suspenseful,” she explained.

Asked whether or not she had to make extra effort to build chemistry with Zanjoe, whom she is working with for the first time in the series, Janine said: “The story starts with us being on opposing sides, so it helped that we don’t have a really close connection yet. However, I’ve learned through my experience as an actress, after being paired with different leading men, that it’s better if your coworkers are your friends in real life because you are able to support each other. For example, if you need to shoot a hair-pulling scene with a coactor, it would help that you’re close to her so you won’t feel shy or embarrassed to do it.” INQ