March 13 ------ Bela Padilla is relishing her life of anonymity in London, her home base for now until further notice. But being away from show biz has not made her creative juices stop flowing. After proving her worth as an actress and screenwriter, she makes her directorial debut in the poignant film “366.” Top billed by Zanjoe Marudo and JC Santos (streaming on Vivamax on April 22), it is about coping with grief and moving on. Is it time or love that heals all wounds? Bela also wrote the screenplay and stars in the film. Call her the “3-in-1 Woman.” Bela by golly wow!
Here are quotes from Bela:
“366” is loosely based on a tragic story I heard in Maldives about a woman who was also on vacation there. The level of pain is the same, but the situation is different. The original plan was to shoot in Budapest. I like its gothic and somber look, which fits the story. But due to pandemic travel restrictions, we shot in Turkey instead. Good choice, because it’s visually stunning.
I hardly needed to direct Zanjoe and JC. Since they’re both my close friends, they totally get me. Bigay na bigay sila. I had to tell them to hold back at times. I asked them if their lines, which I wrote, are what guys would really say in a given situation.
The title is “366” because it will make you contemplate on how you would spend an extra day of the year. That gains more significance because of the pandemic, which makes us feel like our days are numbered.
I am enjoying my total aloneness and independence here in London. Back to basics. No driver, no car, no helper. I love to “people watch” while I’m on the train or in the park here. It sparks ideas for my writing. My boyfriend lives in Switzerland. We meet up from time to time. But marriage is not yet on my agenda. I started working when I was 16, so feeling ko, parang now lang ako nag-turn 17 because I am living it up here in London.
Directing and acting at the same time required me to have a switch in my head. I wanted Liza Soberano to star in “366” so I could focus on directing. But due to the pandemic, I ended up being the lead actress. Though I hope to direct Liza someday. If she starred in “366,” her interpretation of loss and pain will be different from mine. That’s because she’s younger, and we are in different places in our respective lives.
People ask why most of my films are tearjerkers. Akala nila tuloy marami akong “hugot” sa buhay. But I’m actually a cheerful person. I don’t wallow when I have a problem. I am solution-oriented. There’s no formula for moving on. Pain has no timetable. There are others who are also going through pain, so don’t feel that you are alone. And take comfort in the thought that there is always someone willing to help you if you reach out.
Source: inquirer.net
留言