Actress Sue Prado is the true “queen” of Cinemalaya 2011.
She played various roles in four films at the recently concluded annual independent film fest: a school teacher in war-torn Sulu in Joel Lamangan’s “Patikul”; a drug mule in Joseph Israel Laban’s “Cuchera”; a nurse in an understaffed maternity hospital in Eduardo Roy Jr.’s “Bahay Bata”; and an overseas Filipino worker in Zurich Chan’s “Teoriya.”
In a recent chat with Inquirer Entertainment, Sue explained how she approaches her work.
“Actors go through different processes before committing to do a role,” she said. “I make sure to learn as much as I can about my character before filming starts.”
It’s also important to observe one’s surroundings, Sue said. “You absorb what you see and store it in your brain. When a situation calls for it, you use it.”
Sue said she has yet to play her dream role. “I’m preparing for it by observing a lot of people. ’Pag dumating na yung role, marami akong baon.”
Are you open to doing mainstream films?
I don’t see any difference between indie and mainstream filmmaking. Acting is a form of searching for truth.
What drives you to keep working in indie movies?
Not only do I get to do something I really love, I also get to fulfill my responsibility as a citizen. My goals are very clear—I may not be able to change the world, but I’m effecting change within my parameter.
We saw you in an episode of ABS-CBN’s “Guns and Roses.” Are you now open to doing TV shows?
It’s just one of the things I do. I really want to keep making films… They (the viewers) don’t always have to like what I make. The fact that they are critical about something is good enough for me.
What do you hope to change about the local film industry?
I wish we could be more critical about making films and watching films. We still have a lot to learn as a community. But let’s be proud of our culture and our people.
Who do you idolize in the industry?
Ronnie Lazaro, Joel Torre, Cherry Pie Picache and Coco Martin. I’ve seen Coco in some episodes of “Minsan Lang Kita Iibigin.” He’s very effective in bringing to life two different characters.
I’ve worked with a lot of directors, but I admire Ellen Ramos, whom I worked with in “Ganap na Babae.” I like her style. I also have high respect for Raymond Red, whom I got to work with in “Himpapawid,” and Jon Red, in the TV show “Nagbabagang Bulaklak.”
E-mail mcruz@inquirer.com.ph.