Tribute to Mike de Leon classic

ALCAZAREN. Makes feature film debut.

The first time we read Miguel Alcazaren’s screenplay for the CineFilipino film fest entry, “Puti,” we knew that the 48-year-old TV commercial director has finally found the right project for his feature-film debut, Mike is an award-winning animator, and is the go-to guy for baby commercials.

For the last five years, Alcazaren has been trying to sell his script to producers. He explains, “It wasn’t easy because, despite my background in commercials, few people knew who I was.”

Style

“Puti” pays homage to Mike de Leon’s “Itim”: “I was able to observe some of his (De Leon) shoots. His directorial style in ‘Itim’ inspired me—I liked how he presented his psychological drama cum horror story, and how it influenced viewers’ minds.”

The film centers on Amir (Ian Veneracion), a counterfeit painter who meets a car accident that renders him colorblind. As he recovers, unexplainable events transpire. It also stars Lauren Young, Jasmine Curtis-Smith, Leo Rialp and newcomer Bryan Pagala.

Mike shares, “It was easy working with Ian and Jasmine. It’s a good thing that Ian also paints. With Jasmine, I asked her to go to galleries—which she did. The actors came to the set prepared, which made the shoot faster and easier.”

Alcazaren is upbeat about the chances of his first feature film: “I’m as excited as I’m nervous—because this project is a fulfillment of my dream! Ito ang first love ko—making feature films!” CineFilipino runs from June 26 to July 2.