Janella did a lot of unlearning for ‘Haunted Mansion’

Congratulations to all the winners of the 41st Metro Manila Film Festival, at random – Jennylyn Mercado, Jericho Rosales, “#Walang Forever,” Dan Villegas, Antoinette Jadaone, “My Bebe Love,” Maine Mendoza, “Buy Now Die Later,” Tirso Cruz III and “Honor Thy Father.”

We are sad and disappointed that “Honor Thy Father” was disqualified in the Best Picture category, the reason being that the producers did not inform the committee that it was the opening film of the Cinema One Originals festival. “Honor Thy Father” deserves to vie for the Best Picture award as it is one of the best, if not the best, among the entries.

Its producer, Dondon Monteverde, had issued a statement about it and director Erik Matti, who was voted Best Director, said in his statement (read during the Sunday awards night) that he will continue to fight for what he thinks is not right in the way the MMFF is being run – from the way the entries are chosen to the manner in which cinemas fairly distribute all MMFF entries.

The winners have been announced and while we might not agree with the choices of the jurors, we ought to respect their decision. If we don’t like the winners, we can only put the blame on the jurors. But it would be unfair to discredit the winners and bash them because they were chosen. It’s a matter of preference or taste. While we might not agree with the choices, it would be unfair to blame the winners. Hindi naman sila ang pumili sa kanilang sarili to be declared as winners. For sure, the jurors know that their choices will be scrutinized and subjected to criticism. We live and die by the choices we make. If we feel that the winners were not credible enough, it’s the jurors, not the winners, who should do the explaining.

Meanwhile, a resolution was filed in Congress to investigate the non-inclusion of “Honor Thy Father” in the Best Picture race. We wonder what good this will do to the film’s cause and the MMFF. The winners had been named. Let’s move on.

* * *

Currently running third in the box-office race at the ongoing MMFF (based on unofficial tally of gross receipts) is the horror flick “Haunted Mansion” starring teen stars Janella Salvador, Marlo Mortel and Jerome Ponce, among others.

The movie is drawing crowds. And while it may not have brought home an award, its success at the box-office has made its producers, including Lily Monteverde of Regal Entertainment, very happy.

We did not get the chance to interview its director, Jun Lana, at the presscon of “Haunted Mansion” since he was out of the country, attending a festival where his movie “Anino sa Likod ng Buwan” participated. The next best thing to do was to interview him via email, to which he gladly obliged.

We asked him about the difficulties in doing a horror film compared to doing a rom-com. “There are more variables involved in making a horror film like prosthetics, practical effects, stunts, etcetera, that make it really challenging for everyone involved,” said Direk Jun who had been working on “Haunted Mansion” for six years. “We were just waiting for the right cast to come along and Janella came at the right time.”

Since he was working with a cast of newcomers, Direk Jun said it was definitely not a walk in the park. “Not only were they newcomers, but they were also extremely busy with their TV projects. I would have wanted them to just focus all their energies on the film, but it wasn’t possible so I made the most with what they could give. I’m thankful that they’re all very professional and hardworking and fully committed to give their best.”

On lead actress Janella’s acting chops, the multi-awarded director mused: “Acting for TV and acting for film are very different and Janella learned that she had a lot of unlearning to do. What works for TV doesn’t necessarily work for film. But she’s a fast learner and always open to direction. And she registers so well on screen. I’m sure she will be making more movies and one day become an award-winning actress.”

Why does he think viewers love to watch horror movies during the Christmas season? Gusto lang ba nila talaga takutin ang sarili nila?

“Horror is a social experience. It’s something you want to watch with your barkada or entire family. It’s so much fun to scream together and/or make fun of each other’s reactions to the movie.”

Direk Jun also shared that for Pinoy moviegoers, it’s not about getting scared during what is supposed to be the merriest season of the year. “It’s about having fun, like riding a rollercoaster. Besides, horror films have long been a part of the MMFF. It’s one of the genres that Filipino audiences look forward to during the festival.”

What is the atmosphere like in a horror movie set? Did he or any of his cast members experience ghostly encounters? “Thankfully no, but the mansion where we shot the film was quite creepy,” he revealed.

As of this writing, “Haunted Mansion” is doing well at the box-office, and for this, he credits having fresh faces in a familiar genre. “This gave us an edge among high-profile blockbuster films. It meant people can focus on the story and embrace my actors as characters and not as personalities.”

Meanwhile, Direk Jun remains grateful that his other film “Anino sa Likod ng Buwan” had been reaping glowing reviews. “‘Anino sa Likod ng Buwan’ is a very personal film and I’m thankful that it resonated with audiences, jury members and critics here and abroad. Making an indie is really challenging and to be recognized for your hard work is always very encouraging. The awards inspire me to pursue other passion projects, no matter how ambitious or difficult,” Direk Jun said in parting.