Although there’s a pandemic, director Joel Lamangan remains in demand
Multi-awarded director Joel Lamangan is at the helm of the star-studded offering of Heaven’s Best Entertainment Productions’ titled Isa Pang Bahaghari, a much-anticipated entry to this year’s Metro Manila Film Festival which goes digital.
The movie gathers an ensemble cast led by award-winning actors – many time filmfest Best Actress Ms. Nora Aunor, Phillip Salvador, Michael de Mesa.
It also features Zanjoe Marudo, Joseph Marco and Sanya Lopez who play the children of Nora and Ipe. The three managed to hold their own, acting-wise, with Nora, Ipe and Michael as attested by Direk Joel.
Also in the film are Maris Racal, Albie Casino, and Miggs Almendras who play the roles of the young Nora, Ipe and Michael.
Direk Joel, who has handled the best actors in the country, has nothing but praises for his cast. “They are all very good. From Ate Guy, Kuya Ipe, Michael and even the young ones like Zanjoe Marudo, Joseph Marco and Sanya Lopez,” said the award-winning filmmaker who directed Muling Umawit ang Puso which won most of the awards in the 1995 Metro Manila Filmf Festival, including Best Picture, Best Director and Best Actress.
He said it is hard to say who stood out, acting-wise, in the film. “They are all very good. You can see that if you watch the film,” he told the press before the press preview of Isa Pang Bahaghari held recently.
Direk Joel expressed reservations with regards the streaming platform initiated by the MMFF organizers since the pandemic prohibits large gatherings hence films cannot be shown in cinemas.
“I am afraid that only a few people might be able to watch. I don’t how to watch movies online. Baka marami ang tulad ko na hindi techy. I hope we can go back to screening our films in cinemas. It is a different experience watching movies in cinemas,” said Direk Joel.
Although there is a pandemic, Direk Joel remains in demand. He just finished the movie Anak ng Macho Dancer for Godfather Productions which stars newbie Sean de Guzman in the lead role.
He is also set to start work in a new film titled Burles, also for Joed Serrano’s Godfather Productions.
“I am not the type who’d say no to a good project. Besides, I also need the money. We all need to work during this time.”
