AWARD-WINNING actress Lorna Tolentino is exploring the world of film production — this time as a producer. Despite her busy schedule, Tolentino graced the celebrity screening of “Monster,” a family drama from Japan directed by Hirokazu Kore-eda, on Tuesday, Oct. 3.“Sana maging excited din ‘yung mga manonood kasi excited din kaming ihatid sa kanila ang pelikulang ‘Monster,’” she said.
The movie, which received awards abroad, creates a layer of meaning and leaves audience with questions.
In her own words, Tolentino described the movie as “a family drama about bullying and family dysfunction.” The director teamed up with popular Japanese screenwriter Yûji Sakamoto and composer Ryuichi Sakamoto.
Raving about the movie and its message and how it will touch the Filipino audience, Tolentino thanked producing partner Sylvia Sanchez for opening her eyes.
“Nagpapasalamat ako na isinama ako ni Sylvia na maging partner niya sa Nathan Studios. Nung nalaman ko na nagpro-produce na sila (Nathan Studios) ng mga pelikula, sabi ko kay Sylvia, turuan niya ako kung paano mag-produce para matutunan ko rin,” she said.“Nagsimula talaga ito sa pagsasabi ko sa kanya na gusto kong mag-produce. At sabi niya, para matuto ako, sumama ako sa Cannes, dahil iba na ang klase ngayon ng pagpro-produce. At nung nandun na kami sa Cannes, nakita namin na pinipilahan nang husto ang ‘Monster.’ Maraming gustong kumuha para ipalabas sa iba’t ibang bansa ang ‘Monster.’ Ito ang first venture namin together at mayroon pa kaming mga darating na pelikula.”
Tolentino hopes Filipinos will support the movie.
The award-winning Japanese movie opens in Philippine cinemas on Oct. 11.
“Ang rason din kung bakit dinala namin sa Pilipinas ang ‘Monster’ ay dahil magaling na direktor si Hirokazu Kore-eda. Ang galing-galing niya. Parang [Pinoy movie] itong ‘Monster’ na tagos sa puso,” Sanchez said.
“Ang goal ng Nathan Studios (with Ria Atayde as CEO) ay mag-produce ng sariling pelikula rito sa Pilipinas. Naniniwala kami na maraming magagaling na actors na hindi nabibigyan ng pag-asa, na hindi nabibigyan ng chance. Gusto naming i-showcase at dalhin abroad ang ating [cinema]. At the same time bibili rin kami ng pelikula sa abroad (katulad ng ‘Monster’) na alam naming matatanggap ng [Filipino audience] at matututo tayo at lalawak ang ating kaalaman tungkol sa mga pelikula,” she added.
Also present at the premiere of “Monster” at SM Megamall were Angel Aquino, Ricky Davao, Isabel Rivas, Ara Mina, Ynez Veneracion, Mon Confiado, Elijah Canlas, Jane Oiñeza, RK Bagatsing, director Richard Somes, and JK Labajo. (Josh Mercado/ABS-CBN News)
