Loisa Andalio hopes to inspire young ones in esports film ‘Friendly Fire’

Loisa Andalio as Hazel in “Friendly Fire.” | Image: Black Cap Pictures

Loisa Andalio hopes to inspire young people to break through competitive industries such as electronic gaming (esports) in the upcoming film “Friendly Fire.”

“Napaka importante sakin kasi maraming makakarelate dito na mga kabataan na nangangarap na makasali sila dito esports tournaments. And hindi lang siya passion. Pwede rin sila kumita dito,” she told reporters during the recent premiere night of the film.

(It is very important to me because there are many young people who can relate and who dream of participating in esports tournaments. And it’s not just passion. They can also make money here.)

Despite the elements of showcasing female empowerment, the rest of the cast members underscored that they want the audience to perceive the film as something that both caters, if not to both male and female, but all genders.

“Wala naman siya sa pag diminish kung ganon ‘yung perspective mo mali na ‘yung perspective mo,” said Harvey Bautista. “Esports naman is for everyone regardless of gender; it doesn’t really matter.”

“If you got it, you got it. Actually, if you didn’t get it, you can also work on it to the top if you’re really passionate about it,” added Bob Jbeili.

Director Mikhail Red shared that “Friendly Fire” is one of his most personal movies, as he was able to combine his passions, gaming and filmmaking.

“Co-written and edited by my younger brother. Actually isa ‘to sa pinaka personal kong movie kasi growing up gamer talaga ako. Tambay kami sa mga internet cafe, comshop nung bata kami. Ang tagal ko na gustong magsports genre and bihira siya gawin sa Philippines,” he stated.

(Actually, it’s one of my most personal movies because I was really a growing up gamer. We hung out at internet cafes, and comshops when we were kids. I’ve been wanting to do the sports genre for a long time and it’s rare in the Philippines.)

“Friendly Fire” follows a team of underdogs in the highly competitive world of esports who are put to the test when their star player suddenly quits for the bigger gains. 

The visionary entrepreneur and founder of Team ISLA Sonya (Coleen Garcia) recruits gaming prodigy Hazel (Andalio) to her team as she tries to put Philippine esports on the global map.

The film features a video game, PROJECT: XANDATA created by Secret 6, a group of Filipino developers. 

Aside from the aforementioned, the film also features Yves Flores and Jan Bautista. It is set to premiere in local cinemas on Oct. 23.