Direk Atom Magadia talks about his personal journey in “Dagsin”
Aug 12, 2016
One of the entries in this year’s edition of Cinemalaya is Renato Ignacio (Atom) Magadia Jr’s “Dagsin” (Gravity).
It is a beautiful and touching love story about courageous people, who are willing to sacrifice everything to protect their love ones against the tragedies of human existence.
What does “Dagsin” mean and why is it the title of your movie?
“I originally wanted the title of the movie to be “Gravity.” Pero my co-scriptwriter and producer Anne (my wife) said that kagagamit pa lang ng Gravity sa movie ni Sandra Bullock so palitan ko daw. Matigas ang ulo ko, so I researched “Gravity” in Filipino and ended up with “Dagsin” (our official scientific term). Apparently, it might have originated from the Ilocano word “dagsen” which means ‘bigat’.
Is the movie autobiographical or is it based on a real-life story?
“It is partly autobiographical kasi ‘yung mga sentiments ni Justino are sentiments that I went through. Our daughter’s a miracle child who underwent a life and death ordeal when she was six. We were still in the U.S. when she suffered an undefined illness similar to SARS or H1n1 pero during that time, hindi pa nila na-encounter ‘yun (The U.S. CDC was monitoring her but never found a cure). She was given a less than 50% chance of living. We were also asked if we wanted to continue her treatment several times kasi grabe ‘yung cost per day. She was confined sa ICU for 2 months at one month siyang unconscious. We spent a total of 6 months in the hospital including rehab kasi she lost the ability to use her speech and limbs. Aside from being given the option for euthanasia, Anne and I really knew we would not survive without her so we did everything within our power including prayers and sacrifices in exchange for her recovery”.
How important is it for the story to be told?
“Justino’s story has to be told because it mirrors a lot of people’s lives. Last night alone, I was approached by several people (who saw the movie) who told me of their own stories that somehow, paralleled Justino’s own. I believe a lot of what Justino suffered through could have been avoided if we just become kinder to each other and avoid oppressing our fellow human beings. Wars for example, are needless and wasteful exercises that result in massive suffering and oppression. The injustice or lack of justice (symbolized by the crippled Judge) during Martial Law was nothing but thinly veiled excuses for tyrants and bullies. But these are realities that we cannot avoid, so I offer “Dagsin” as a simple remedy. Love can soften the blows of life’s tragedies. I wrote the first draft, then me and my wife collaborated on the re-writes. Anne’s contribution is to make Corazon come alive. I also have a bit of Severino (the father of the nurse) in me. If someone hurts my loved ones, I would not hesitate to punish them and to give them what they deserve”.
Who do you see yourself in the movie?
“My character in the movie is, of course, Justino. Corazon was patterned after my wife Anne. Aside from other similar unfortunate circumstances- Anne’s own accident that confined her to a wheelchair when she was younger, my parents afflicted with cancer who are both survivors, I also suffered from a stroke 5 years ago. My body was half paralyzed. I had to undergo extensive rehab/PT in order to walk, talk straight and use my right hand again. I contemplated suicide, if I was not able to recover. Actually, Justino’s wheelchair in the movie is my actual wheelchair”.
Why did you choose Tommy Abuel to play the role of Justino?
“Tommy Abuel chose us. Ferdy Lapuz, our co-producer, told him about our film and Tito Tommy told him to give me his number. When Ferdy told me about Tito Tommy’s interest, I was ecstatic! We had long conversations on the phone about the story and the character before we decided to meet face to face. Anne and I were surprised to learn that he was actually a trained lawyer. We took that as a sign from God. Ms. Lotlot was the same. Ferdy gave her our script and she was actually the one who called me and asked if she could be in the movie”.
Aside from Tommy, “Dagsin” (Gravity) also stars Lotlot de Leon, Benjamin Alves, Janine Gutierrez, Sue Prado, Alex Diaz, Marita Zobel, Yoshihiko Hara, Rolando Inocencio, Arpee Bautista and a lot more.
