Sharon, not intimidated by Nora and Vilma
Megastar Sharon Cuneta clarified that she joined Cinemalaya not because she was intimidated by Nora or Vilma who fielded their entries in the previous editions of the prestigious independent filmfest.
“No. Of course not. Actually, I’m honored pa nga, na nasa Cinemalaya ako ngayon. Sila noon, ako ngayon. So, it’s definitely an honor and I’m in very good company,” she explained.
The singer-actress will be seen in her first Cinemalaya movie “Ang Pamilyang Hindi Lumuluha” megged by Mes de Guzman.
Shawie was very ecstatic over her Cinemalaya experience. She was also thrilled to work with award-winning director Mes De Guzman whose body of works includes “Ang Kuwento ni Mabuti,” “Sitio” and “Diablo.”
“Very supportive ang mga kasamahan ko. Everybody was great to work with. Ito iyong project na ang puhunan ng mga katrabaho mo ay passion, guts and determination. Hindi ito tungkol sa kung gaano kalaki ang budget kundi iyong love for the craft dahil alam mong pagmamahal ang puhunan sa paggawa ng pelikula,” she quipped.
Although filming started late May only, her much anticipated comeback vehicle was able to beat the deadline in time for its opening in August.
“I anticipated the deadline. Never naman na I make a promise if I’m not sure na gagawin ko. Kahit may ibang commitments, ginawan ko siya ng paraan,” she said.
She also denied that her role was later offered to her arch rival Maricel Soriano when talks circulated that she’s likely to back out from the project due her hectic workload and scheduling problems.
“Walang ganoon. It’s actually offered to me at nagustuhan ko siya kaya I accepted it in principle,” she asserted.
Being one of the producers, she admitted though that she waived her talent fee for the said movie.
“Hindi ko iniisip iyong part na producer ako. Iniisip ko iyong trabaho na kailangang ibigay mo sa audience. Kasama na iyon sa napag-usapan pero mas importante sa akin ang kagandahan ng pelikula kesa sa talent fee,” she declared.
She also finds her role very challenging, something that she has not done before.
“Never pa akong lumabas nang ganito. Iyong walang inhibitions. Walang pakialam sa hitsura ko kung magmumukha akong luka-luka, kung nagmumura ako for the first time in my life. Parang feeling ko kapag independent ang ginagawa ko, may lisensiya kang paglaruan ang iyong role na hindi ka idya-judge na kailangan sa mainstream, ganito ang image or what,” she elucidated.
She shed some light that her latest movie is not similar to her critically acclaimed film “Crying Ladies.”
“Definitely, hindi siya satire o usual dark comedy. Iba iyong “Crying Ladies” dahil lumuluha ito pero rito iyong pamilya ang hindi lumuluha. Dito, hindi naman ako miyembro ng pamilya, bale, may pinahahanap ako rito,” she concluded.
Also in the cast of “Ang Pamilyang Hindi Lumuluha” are Niño Muhlach, Moi Bien, Kiko Matos, Michelle Vito, Richard Quan, Cris Villanueva and a lot more.
“Ang Pamilyang Hindi Lumuluha” is Shawie’s comeback movie after 8 years of hiatus from acting.
