Joel Torre’s advice to aspiring filmmakers

Joel Torre

I immensely enjoyed watching “Under a Piaya Moon” (UAPM), which bagged best picture at the first CinePanalo Film Festival 2024. My cool “migo” Joel Torre is part of the cast. UAPM set the bar high for the entries at the second Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival (PGCPFF).

According to festival director Chris Cahilig, this year’s iteration promises to give filmmakers across the country more opportunities to showcase their skill, creativity and dedication to their craft. He also said that movers and shakers in the biz are raring to join the annual film fest.

Puregold (PG) is treating the success of the festival’s inaugural run as a launching pad for something even bigger and bolder. Ivy Piedad, senior marketing manager of PG, shared that this year’s version has an increased funding pool for selected filmmakers up for grabs. Seven directors of full-length movies are set to receive a production grant worth P3 million, while 25 selected student short film directors will receive a production grant worth P150,000. Seven full-length film grants will be given this year surpassing last year’s six.

As with the first edition, the next PGCPFF seeks film entries that showcase the indomitable spirit of the Filipino through uplifting and inspiring “panalo stories.”

Watch out for their lineup of movies that will move you.

Here’s my chat with Joel:

Since UAPM was directed by a newbie, how did you make its director, Kurt Soberano, feel at ease?

I have known of Kurt as one of the aspiring directors from my hometown, Bacolod. He took up film under the workshop of my mentor, Peque Gallaga, so he knows the style of our work ethic. I don’t think he got starstruck. It was more of respect for each other’s craft.

What do you think is the appeal of UAPM?

The film’s appeal is the representation of our Ilonggo culture and way of life in Negros. There is the love for food, sabong (cockfighting), festivals and family dynamics. The difference between traditional and fusion food.

It represented the Negros way of life well and had a somewhat cult following in its Bacolod screening because it talked about our story, our culture. The movie was made with a lot of love. Love your work, and your work will love you back.

What’s your advice to the aspiring filmmakers in the second edition of PGCPFF?

This is an opportunity to have your stories told, so if you have the vision and passion to do so, submit your entries. Be courageous and live your passion with conviction. Do not pass on an opportunity like this. This is a venue where dreams are made of.

Look at the case of Kurt Soberano and UAPM. Do not be afraid because there will always be a first time. Live your dreams.

Boots Anson Roa-Rodrigo (second from left) with Mother Lily’s grandchildren —CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS

Homage to Mother Lily

Tita Boots Anson Roa-Rodrigo asked me to share her homage to Mother Lily, which she wrote on behalf of Mowelfund. Here are excerpts of the tribute of a woman of substance and grace to another:

No death could keep Father Remy and Mother Lily Monteverde apart. One could not be without the other. That’s why a few days after Father passed away, Mother followed.

Their love story beats “Maalaala Mo Kaya,” “Magpakailanman” and even “Regal Presents.” Their quintessential love is the stuff that makes for the ultimate “Mano Po,” Mother’s lifetime passion project.

The Movie Workers Welfare Foundation Inc. (Mowelfund) is blessed to have been one of Mother’s own passion projects. She seemingly adopted Mowelfund as her own advocacy.

We did not need to solicit attention or funding from her. She would give generously, always more than what we expected.

Thank you for your overwhelming support to Mowelfund, Mother. We hope to have been worthy of your patronage.

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It includes three 24/7 streaming channels, GMA Pinoy TV, GMA Life TV and GMA News TV, plus select Kapuso programs available on demand.