Doing an independent film, via Slow Fade, was actor Diether Ocampo's way of thanking the industry that has nurtured his movie career for over a decade now. And he can't thank the industry enough

"Malaki ho ang pasasalamat ko sa industriya na tumutulong din sa akin," an overwhelmed Diether gushed when PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal) asked him for a few messages after last night's premiere of Slow Fade, directed by first-timer Rommel Sales, at the Robinson's Movieworld Galleria Cinema 3.

Slow Fade, based on the script by the award-winning screenwriter  Paul Sta. Ana (winner of Cinemalaya 2010 Best Screenplay award, for Mayohan), tells the story of Darius Sales, a lonely probinsiyano videographer's journey upon learning of his impending death due to brain tumor.

Diether's leading lady in the film, Precious Lara Quigaman, also graced the event with actor-boyfriend Marco Alcaraz. 

Also present at last night's full house premiere was actor-producer and director Albert Martinez of the Metro Manila Film Fest entry, Rosario. (CLICK HERE to learn more about this year's MMFF entries) 

Slow Fade is a pre-MMFF Indie Tribute entry, funded by PLDT-SMART Foundation and Martinez's Cinemabuhay.

In his speech, Albert expressed hope that indie films, like Slow Fade, succeed in being "a cross-over" between mainstream and independent films.

"It may be slow, but it will never fade," said Albert, referring to the film's production process, from conceptualization and actual production, to its premiere screening, all of which took more than a full year to pan out.

Back to Diether, he said his support would always be with the movie industry, both mainstream and indie.

"Gusto ko ring suportahan ang ating industriya pagdating sa indie filmmaking, so I made it possible na makagawa ako ng at least isang proyekto para makapag-contribute tayo.

"Nakakatuwa naman dahil siyempre nabibigyan din natin ng opportunity na makilala yung magagaling nating filmmakers na hindi basta-basta nabibigyan ng opportunity.

"Maganda rin na magkaroon ng pagkakataon na magkasama-sama yung nasa mainstream at indie."

BIG RISK. Does Diether consider appearing in an independent production, like Slow Fade, a big risk or a gamble as far as his movie career is concerned?

"Not really," he answered. "Ako kasi, siyempre, nung nagsisimula rin naman ako, marami ring mga producers and directors na nagbigay ng opportunities. 

"Panahon naman ngayon para magbigay rin ako ng chance. 

"Gusto ko ring makilala sila kasi magagaling naman talaga ang mga kasamahan natin sa industriya na hindi lang nabibigyan ng pagkakataon.