JERRY OLEA
Na-nominate ang pelikulang The Fisher sa Ethical Film Award ng 36th Tokyo International Film Festival (Oktubre 23-Nobyembre 1, 2023).
Ang nagkamit ng award na iyon ay ang Spanish drama film na 20,000 Species of Bees.
Read: Here are the 24 finished films that did not make it to MMFF 2023 official entries
Nakadalawang screening ang The Fisher sa World Focus section ng Tokyo filmfest, noong Oktubre 26 at 30.
Matapos ang screenings ay nakibahagi sa Q&A ang direktor ng The Fisher na si Paul Soriano, at ang mga bida na sina Mon Confiado at Enchong Dee.
Pahayag ni Direk Paul kaugnay sa karanasan niya sa Tokyo filmfest, “Nagpapasalamat ako kasi naramdaman ko hindi lang yung appreciation nila sa The Fisher pero yung enthusiasm nila na mapanood din ito sa ibang bansa.
“We are currently in discussions for distribution in other countries. There has been a lot of interest, and my experience in Tokyo and at the Tokyo International Film Festival was wonderful. Ang saya.
“The audiences in Tokyo are serious about cinema, and we had two successful screenings of The Fisher with fantastic Q&A sessions afterwards.
“Whenever I'm back in Tokyo, especially for the Tokyo International Film Festival, it's always a great experience.”
Pangatlong beses na ito ni Direk Paul sa Tokyo filmfest. Naunang lumahok doon ang mga obra niyang Kid Kulafu (2015) at Mañanita (2019).
May iba pang international filmfests na sasalihan ang The Fisher. Ikinakasa rin ang pagpapalabas ng The Fisher sa local cinemas, at inaasam ni Direk Paul na mag-i-streaming ito eventually.
Paano ba napili ang cast ng The FIsher? Nagpa-audition ba sila?
“When it came to casting, I personally chose most of the actors. Mon Confiado, Eula Valdes, and Mercedes Cabral are all incredibly talented actors,” tugon ni Direk Paul.
“I also specifically chose Enchong Dee for the role of Hai because not only is he a great actor and artist, but he is also a champion swimmer, which was crucial for his character's role and interaction with the ocean.
“For the role of Simone, we held auditions and Heaven Peralejo, who perfectly embodied the character, ultimately won the part.”
Mula sa Tokyo, Japan ay lumipad pa-Los Angeles, California, USA si Enchong para sa November 2 launch ng Manila International Film Festival, kung saan ipinalabas ang pelikula niyang Here Comes The Groom.
Present din doon ang co-star niyang si KaladKaren, maging si Eisel Serrano ng Love You Long Time, at sina Romnick Sarmenta, Direk Jun Lana, at Direk Perci Intal Intalan ng About Us But Not About Us.
Read: MMFF 2023 official entries, ipalalabas sa Amerika at magkakaroon ng sariling awards night
NOEL FERRER
Ano ang inspirasyon ni Direk Paul Soriano sa pagsusulat, pagdidirek at pagpoprodyus ng The Fisher? Base ba ito sa istorya sa totoong buhay?
Sagot ni Direk Paul, “I’m inspired to tell stories. My passion in life is to tell stories and make films with unique narratives and subtle messages that will hopefully move my audience.
“As I was researching, writing, reading articles, and watching documentaries, I stumbled upon these myths or short stories about grandmothers who live in the province, lalo na near the coastal towns or baybay dagat.
“Ang daming kuwento galing sa mga lola, nanay, at matatanda sa probinsya na hanggang ngayon ay sinusunod pa din.
“Hindi man natin naiintindihan kung bakit, pero may mga sumusunod o natatakot na hindi sumunod, kahit may pagka mysterious or folkloric sounding.
“Mahirap i-explain kung minsan pero marami sa atin ang may paniniwala tungkol sa misteryo ng karagatan.
“That was the idea behind The Fisher. Sinusulat ko pa lang, meron na akong naisip na ending. Alam ko na kung ano ang kahihinatnan ng mga characters.
“So, I came up with a story about a Filipino fisherman who discovers a Chinese fisherman one morning. The movie, now called The Fisher, explores the relationship between Pedro and Hai.
“Pedro is played by Mon Confiado and Hai is played by Enchong Dee. We have a Filipino fisherman and a Chinese fisherman, and in the beginning, it is a challenge for them to become friends.
“However, as they live and learn to live together, we see their friendship develop into something great that brings prosperity to both of them, without giving away too much.
“Was it based on a true story? Hindi pero it was based on myths that are believed to be true.”
Siyanga pala, ang isa pang Filipino film sa World Focus section ay ang Essential Truths of the Lake ni Direk Lav Diaz.
Iyong The Gospel of the Beast ni Direk Sheron Dayoc ay lumahok sa Main Competition section.
GORGY RULA
Mas focused ba siya ngayon sa pagpo-produce ng pelikula?
“Definitely, I am still very much focused on telling stories, producing for other filmmakers, collaborating with other filmmakers, and producing my own films,” sabi ni Direk Paul.
“Hindi na yon mawawala sa akin because I am really a filmmaker by heart. Kahit ano pa ang ibang trabahong kailangan ko gawin, kahit gaano pa ako ka busy elsewhere, my mind is constantly thinking of new stories to tell and creative ways to communicate them to the public.
“I don't think I'll stop telling stories anytime soon. It is my passion, and it is what keeps me going, especially now that I have a new baby.
“My family truly inspires me even more to create and tell unique and great stories.”
Kumusta na sila ng maybahay niyang si Toni Gonzaga, at ang bago nilang baby?
Read: Toni Gonzaga and Paul Soriano welcome Baby Paulina Celestine
“Toni and I are doing great, thanks for asking. The new baby is such a wonderful blessing and a great addition to our family,” lahad ni Direk Paul.
“Seve has now become a kuya. Toni and I are now parents to two beautiful, healthy, and blessed children. We couldn't be any happier.”
Kailan magpapaka-active muli sa showbiz si Toni?
“Toni took a break because of Baby Polly. Now she's back to shooting and will definitely do more hosting,” sabi ni Direk Paul.
“She has also started vlogging again. I’m happy for Toni kasi even when she was pregnant, hindi sya tumitigil thinking of ways on how to express her creative side.
“My wife is an avid learner. Mahilig magbasa, manood and to find out what’s new.” Anu-ano ang expectations nila ni Toni para sa 2024?
“We simply wish to continue being thankful as we spend more time with our family and friends, while also pursuing our passions and working hard,” sagot ni Direk Paul.
“Dalawa na ang anak namin and it gives us so many reasons to feel blessed and to look forward to new opportunities, with faith in our hearts that the best is yet to be.”
Read: Toni Gonzaga introduces Baby Polly on Instagram
Siyanga pala, marami ang nagsabi kay Direk Paul na itong The Fisher ang pinakamaganda sa mga pelikulang nagawa niya.