Shaina Magdayao as jury member of New York fest: Each of us has our expertise

Shaina Magdayao —PHOTOS BY MARINEL CRUZ

“I know how it feels when you get criticized about your work,” said actress Shaina Magdayao to explain her initial hesitance to accept the invitation to be part of the jury of this year’s New York Asian Film Festival (NYAFF).

Shaina will be a jury member under the Uncaged Competition category, which features first- and second-time directors. “I’m actually feeling nervous. To me, being part of a jury is a big deal because you can make or break dreams. That’s why I want to do it responsibly. Yes, it is my first time to be part of a jury. It’s also going to be my first time to attend the NYAFF,” Shaina told Inquirer Entertainment in an exclusive interview on Monday night.

The NYAFF will run from July 12 to 28.

“Everything that’s happening is unexpected. Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine I will be part of a jury because I’m so used to being on the other side of the fence. Kaming mga actors ang jinujury, ‘diba?” said Shaina, laughing.

Joining her are Tony Bui (Vietnamese-US director, “Three Seasons”), Shao-yi Chen (Taiwan Screenworks Asia producer, Screenworks Asia), Felix Tsang (Hong Kong’s Golden Scene sales and acquisitions manager), Nonkul Chanon Santinatornkul (Thai star of box-office hit “Bad Genius”), and Aliza Ma (head of programming, the Criterion Channel).

“I think they grouped us together purposely. Each of us has our expertise,” she pointed out. “Aside from watching films, there will be a deliberation. This is no vacation. Based on the schedule they’ve sent me, we will watch all the films, as well as attend the Q&A sessions. This is to learn about the vision of the directors, how they got their actors, and storytelling as a whole. I’ll be looking at it from the perspective of an actress.”

Jury duty pointers

Shaina said she is very fortunate to be surrounded with the “greats” in the industry. “I have to thank Direk Lav Diaz for my international exposure, not just on the movie screen, but also in international festivals. I’m also thankful to (producer) Bianca Balbuena. They encouraged me to do what I’m doing now. It’s always a privilege to represent the country,” she said.

Shaina said she also asked for some jury duty pointers from her “Pamilya Sagrado” costar Joel Torre. “I don’t want to take this lightly. I want to be mindful of this task that was given to me because I know how much hard work is put into a movie. Tatay Joel graciously talked to me about his experience. I also spoke with Bianca, who does jury work regularly as a producer. I’m lucky to be guided. I’m excited to learn and absorb everything,” she added.

This year, Shaina revisited Cannes for the second time because her short film, “Walay Balay,” premiered at the Director’s Fortnight.

Also known as Quinzaine des Cinéastes, it is an independent section that runs parallel to the prestigious Cannes Film Festival. Shaina is a cast member of Lav Diaz’s “Ang Hupa,” which was featured in this section in 2019.

Shaina Magdayao —PHOTOS BY MARINEL CRUZ

Shorts

“Walay Balay,” one of the four shorts in the omnibus project produced under Director’s Factory, is directed by Eve Baswel (Philippines) and Gogularaajan Rajendran (Malaysia).

The other three shorts are “Nightbirds” by Maria Estela Paiso (Philippines) and Ashok Vish (India), starring Pokwang; “Silig” by Arvin Belarmino (Philippines) and Lomorpich Rithy (Cambodia), starring Slyvia Sanchez and Angel Aquino; and “Cold Cut” by Don Eblahan (Philippines) and Tan Siyou (Singapore).

The shorts will first tour different festivals and will have a special screening in November, as the opening film of QCinema International Film Festival. “This year in Cannes, they put the spotlight on the Philippines. This renews my passion for acting knowing that people in festivals have high respect for Filipino filmmakers and writers. The feeling you get when you hear people of different nationalities clapping for you is really something. It’s true that they take time to stand up after the screening to applaud you,” said Shaina.’’

A new purpose

Aside from Cannes, Shaina had been to festivals in Berlin, Locarno, Vienna, Busan and Tokyo. “The environment in Cannes is very different from all the other events. Cannes is really about celebrities, about the glitz and glamour. Cannes is very show biz, in a way,” she said.

“There are more serious festivals [compared to Cannes]. Direk Lav and the others have been educating me on this. They are very different from each other. They each have their own politics,” she pointed out. “I feel that at this point in my life, it’s no longer just about me as an actress. I’m looking for a new purpose as to why I’m still here in this industry after so many years. Fulfillment for me is no longer just about the praises or the awards. Today, I like being part of a team, contributing and collaborating with different filmmakers.”

Shaina continued: “It’s always nice to be able to represent the country. Even in the smallest details, I think of ways to highlight the country and Filipino artistry, like in what I wear. That’s my chance to show them our products and what we can do. What drives me is that I now have a way to give back.”