Multi-awarded director Brillante Mendoza share thoughts on SONA, his TV series and new protégé
When internationally acclaimed and multi-awarded director Brillante Mendoza directed the State of the Nation (SONA) proceedings last year, it drew flaks from netizens who found his camera works ‘artsy’ and ‘weird.’
Despite criticisms on his camera angling last year, he did not change his directing style this year.
“Last year, I did like to capture the spontaneity kasi I believe that it’s what makes the person real. And capturing him as President would endear him to the people. Wala naman kailangang magbago kasi di naman pelikula ang SONA. Ang focus naman noon ay iyong mensahe, hindi iyong direction o techniques ko,” he emphasized.
As a director, he said directing the SONA is also a challenge.
“When you say challenge, ang pinakang challenge roon ay hindi mo alam iyong speech. Hindi mo alam kung ano ang gagawin ng Presidente at the same time, iyon din ang gusto ko dahil kapag nagdidirek ako ng mga artista, wala rin akong iskrip at hindi ko sila iprino-provide, so pareho lang,” he pointed out.
He further said that he does not get thwarted when Digong does not follow his script or prepared speech.
“Siya iyon, eh. Pag nakita mo siya, in real life, siya iyon. Wala talaga siyang pretensyon. Pagagalitan ka niya kung pagagalitan at pupurihin kung kailangang pupurihin,” he said.
According to Mendoza, directing the SONA is his personal commitment to the President.
“I support iyong mga program niya lalo na sa anti-drug campaign kaya nga nabuo rin ang TV series na “Amo.” In directing the SONA, I do it ‘pro bono,” he explained.
Just like his award-winning “Ma Rosa”, Mendoza takes us to the cynicism and corruption of the police and the violence that unfolds in the war against drugs including the rampant vigilantism against suspected drug trade.
“It’s about the story of Joseph (Vince Rillon), a high school student peddling ‘shabu’ initially to fellow gang members and later to a much bigger market in Metro Manila,” he said.
Asked why his TV series is entitled “Amo,” this is what he had to say:
“Amo” ang title niya kasi marami kasing amo. Maraming amo kaya nagshi-shift iyong pokus ng kuwento depende sa kung kanino ang pokus ng character at the same time, it is also catchy at iyon ang napili namin when we discussed it with TV 5,” he elucidated.
Mendoza, who is also the mentor-discoverer of Coco Martin, has a new protégé in the person of Vince Rillon.
“Bata pa iyan. 12 years pa lang, artista ko na siya. “Captive” pa lang ni Isabelle Huppert, kasama na siya. Silang dalawa ni Nognog (Ronwaldo Martin), kaso na-edit iyong mga eksena nila roon,” he recalled.
He denied however, Rillon is being built up to follow in the footsteps of Coco.
“Iba naman si Coco. Iba rin naman si Vince. Si Coco, angelic ang face niya. Iba naman si Vince kasi may angas ang mukha niya. Puwede siya sa mga action at character roles. Launching niya itong “Amo” kung saan siya bida. Tapos may gagawin din siyang movie na siya ang bida,” he said.
He also admitted that he saw Rillon’s great potential as an actor.
“Nakita ko iyong passion niya at willingness na matuto and to improve in his craft. Masarap tulungan ang mga taong dedicated at mahal ang kanilang trabaho,” he concluded.
“Amo” also stars Derek Ramsay, Allen Dizon, Felix Roco, Dexter Macaraeg, Mara Lopez, Alvin Anson, Apollo Abraham, Archie Adamos and a lot more.
It premieres on August 20, 9:30 pm every Sunday on TV 5.
