Loy Arcenas – from New York to Cinemalaya

ARCENAS. Advice to aspiring filmmakers: “Trust your instincts.”

Early this week, we met with director Loy Arcenas to discuss his first feature, “Niño.” The Ma-Yi Theatre Company stalwart has directed acclaimed stage productions like “The Romance of Magno Rubio,” “Flipzoids” and “The Golden Child.”

He shares: “I came from pre-med. I had to force myself to finish it. It was my deal with my parents. I had to finish a course before I traveled abroad.”

Luck and chance brought him to his present nirvana. “I was lucky because I was a member of the UP Concert Chorus. They were looking for a director – I volunteered. My only credit was my 101 Humanities. That’s how it really happened,” grins the Obie awardee.

How did he climb his way up as a prominent production designer in New York City?  He confesses:  “It was again really by chance. I was very lucky to get hooked up with really interesting directors.  After that, it was connections.”

With over 50 productions as a set designer, he has designed Broadway sets for “Love!…Valor!…Compassion!,” “Prelude To A Kiss,” and “Once on This Island.”

Excited

Why did he join Cinemalaya?  “Three years ago, I was here to direct ‘The Golden Child’ at CCP.  When we were rehearsing, Cinemalaya was happening – and I saw how excited the crowd was. There was this joy to see something new. To me, that meant a lot – because, working here and in New York, we were having a difficult time bringing people to the theater. Cinemalaya was bringing in the crowd!”

He collaborated with writer Rody Vera to tell the story of a decaying family’s illustrious, glorious past. “It’s a family drama, a dark comedy of manners about money, betrayal and survival. It’s all about family obligations.”

“Niño” stars a stellar cast composed of Fides Cuyugan-Asensio, Shamaine Buencamino, Tony Mabesa, Raquel Villavicencio, Art Acuña, Diana Malahay, Joaquin Valdes and Jhizhelei Deocareza.

How did he adjust his directorial style from theater to film? He laughs, “I thought it was going to be easy – but I had to learn everything from scratch!”

His advice to aspiring filmmakers: “Trust your instincts, whatever they may be. You have to learn to trust the people you work with. Otherwise, life would be hell. The word collaboration means a lot to me. I do not think I would have survived without it.”

“Niño” will have its gala premiere at 6 p.m. tonight at the CCP Main Theater.