Epy to direct Robredo bio pic next year

NAGA CITY – A multimedia company here is producing a film based on the life and times of the late Local Government Secretary Jesse M. Robredo, a distinguished son of this city who died in a plane crash last August.

The movie with the working title “Pogi,” a term of endearment that Nagueños gave Robredo, will be produced by The Bicol Bloc MultiMedia and Public Affairs (Bicol Bloc). Its target premiere date is the first death anniversary of Naga City’s mayor for 18 years. Robredo was secretary of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) at the time of his death.

Noel de Luna, chairman of the Bicol Bloc, told the Philippine Daily Inquirer that the film would focus on the “noteworthy” character of Robredo, who was nationally and internationally recognized for his exemplary illustration of good governance and his very simple family life.

Why indie?

De Luna, also the executive producer of the bio pic, has asked Epy Quizon, son of the late comedian Dolphy, to direct “Pogi.”

He said the movie would depict the life of Robredo as a student, a father, a servant-leader of his community and the country, and a man of God.

De Luna said the production would adopt the indie film approach to avoid the traditional limitations of commercial cinema.

Jose B. Perez, assistant executive producer and production coordinator, said the plan to make a movie about Robredo was hatched last October.

Lawyer Leni Robredo, Jesse’s widow, has given her approval to the project, Perez said.

“The movie project, as well as the story line, will be nonpolitical and will not be used for political or campaign purposes,” Perez stressed, “[although] the shooting and production period will fall within the 2013 campaign period.”

Leni Robredo is a candidate for congresswoman in Camarines Sur’s third district.

De Luna said he, Perez and Quizon met last week in Manila for the first brainstorming on the production and the movie. A big consideration is that the film should finish in time for Robredo’s first death anniversary, Aug. 18, 2013.

Perez said veteran indie scriptwriters Jules Katayag and Malaya Pasion had been invited on board to put together the facts of Robredo’s life into a coherent story line.

“Authenticity of facts and events will be referred to Attorney Leni Robredo and those close to Jesse for confirmation and verification,” he said.

Perez said they had also short-listed actors Ricky Davao, Christopher De Leon, Joel Torre and Albert Martinez to play Jesse Robredo, and actresses Lani Mercado and Dawn Zulueta for Leni Robredo’s character.

He said location shoots would be in Naga City and Manila.

Perez said the Bicol Bloc was also planning to produce films about the liberation of Naga City from the Japanese occupation forces and the 15 martyrs during the Spanish period, in collaboration with local historians.