Director notes Sam and Jen’s ‘easy chemistry’

Award-winning writer-director Jun Lana was a big winner at the 13th Pacific Meridian Film Festival held in Russia where his film “Anino sa Likod ng Buwan” (Shadow Behind the Moon) won four awards including Best Director for him. The movie also picked up the NETPAC Jury Prize, the FIPRESCI International Critics Prize, and the Best Actress trophy for LJ Reyes.

How did he feel about his latest triumph? “The only thing that I was quite sure of, after having seen some of the competition films, was that LJ had a good chance of winning the best actress award,” said Direk Jun in an email interview. “Winning the best director award was something I did not even dream about. The jury included Oscar Award-winning director Regis Wargnier and Anthony Chen, whose Cannes-winning film ‘IloIlo’ I greatly admire. It meant the world to me to be validated by these filmmakers that I look up to.”

Winning awards for his works is not new to him. Aside from being a Palanca award-winning writer, Direk Jun also won recognitions for his films like “Bwakaw” and “Barber’s Tales.”

Is he still excited to win awards? “The thrill of winning an award only lasts for a few moments, then I forget about it. It’s always a great honor to be recognized for your hard work and talent, but you’ll be a fool to believe your own hype. I’m thankful for my dogs, they remind me to check my hubris at the door, for no matter what I’ve achieved or become, to them I’m just the guy that picks up their poop,” said Direk Jun.

He has a forthcoming film from Regal Entertainment titled “The Prenup” which stars Jennylyn Mercado and Sam Milby and which was shot in New York. This is not the first time that Direk Jun is doing a rom-com. His first was the Carla Abellana-Tom Rodriguez starrer “So It’s You” released May of 2014.

Contrary to popular belief, Direk Jun says a rom-com is also difficult to make. “Just because a romantic comedy is of lighter stuff doesn’t mean it is easier to make compared to a political drama like ‘Barber’s Tales.’ Making films is difficult whether it is an indie film or mainstream,” he added.

“‘The Prenup’ is definitely bigger in scope compared to my first rom-com movie since a good portion of the film was shot in New York. It was also more challenging to shoot. You cannot imagine how difficult and frustrating it was to shoot a scene in Times Square on a Friday afternoon when it most packed with people.”

To make things a little bit easier for him, Direk Jun and his cinematographer Carlo Mendoza went to New York months ahead of the shoot to scout for locations and basically to strategize the best possible way to get their job done well.

“Our pre-production work was the key for a smooth and memorable shoot. Sam and Jen were a joy to work with. They thoroughly prepared for their roles and never made a fuss about anything. Of course, no film set is ever problem-free. But with the right attitude, you can overcome any problem, especially if you had the foresight to plan ahead,” said the director.

Further sharing his experience working with both Sam and Jennylyn, Direk Jun said, “Sam and Jen are both easy going and well-grounded individuals. But honestly, I really don’t care much for an actor’s personality, as long as he or she gets the job done. If you can blow me away with your performance, I don’t mind a little attitude and spunk. Luckily for me, Sam and Jen were not only easy to deal with, they also take their craft very seriously. The great thing about Sam and Jen is that they have an easy chemistry that makes their onscreen relationship feel authentic and sincere.”

Since the story of “The Prenup” talks about relationships, we asked Direk Jun some questions about his married life with his partner Perci Intalan, former TV executive-turned-director. After three years of marriage (they were on a relationship for 10 years before deciding to tie the knot in New York) how has domestic life been?

“My married life is my source of joy and strength. I am fortunate to be married to my best friend who allows me to be my own person and pursue my dreams relentlessly. Perci’s kindness never ceases to amaze me. I’m his total opposite: reserved, cautious and often times distrustful. Perci teaches me to open myself a little more every day,” he answered.

Since same sex marriage is not allowed in our country, Direk Jun and Perci went to New York to legalize their union, which is not yet acceptable under Philippine laws. But would he advise same sex couples to follow the same route by getting married as well?

“It’s really up to them. Perci and I have been together for 10 years before we made the decision to get married in New York. It was a celebration of the life we have built together and of the family and friends who have supported our relationship and embraced us without judgment. And we also strongly believe in what the marriage symbolized: dignity and equality for all. It’s about basic human rights.”

Being a practical person, Direk Jun also believes same sex couples planning to get married should also enter into a pre-nuptial agreement.

“There are no guarantees in life. Should you decide later on to severe your marriage for whatever reason, at least you have the prenup agreement to save you from a lot of headache,” he said.

As to the pros and cons of having a prenup, Direk Jun said, “On the plus side, in the event of a divorce or annulment, a prenup lessens conflicts and provides clear guidelines for the separation. On the minus side, I imagine that it might take away the romance out of marriage especially once you start discussing the conditions of the contract.”

What message does “The Prenup” hope to impart to the audience? “I guess the key take-away is to not rush into a relationship or marriage. As Lola Nidora woud say, there is a right time for everything,” he concluded.

“The Prenup” opens in theaters on October 14. Aside from Jennylyn and Sam, it also stars Ella Cruz, Dominic Ochoa, Jaclyn Jose, Gardo Versoza and Melai Cantiveros.