A taste of Lara

MANILA, Philippines - Her chocolate skin says it all.

Sweet scented and witty Lara Buenaventura is director Lito Casaje’s latest discovery via Dramatis Personae’s independent feature film, Dolores, which is set to open on a limited engagement run until May 25 at the Robinsons Galleria Cinema in Ortigas.

An official entry to the Digital Lokal Category of the 11^th Cinemanila International Film Festival held last October at the Market! Market! Cinemas, Dolores tells the story of 14-year-old barrio lass who is torn between the familial love of her folks and her innocence, making her realize that domestic betrayal is at hand.

Painted against a quiet setting in a remote village in Mabalacat, Pampanga, Dolores didn’t almost take off when the night before the film crew was scheduled to shoot the project, the actress who was originally meant to play Dolores backed out. But Lara, who was eyed as second option for the role was undaunted. Having done a few acting stints in theater productions directed by Casaje, her raw sense of the natural was subtly essayed in her uniquely sensitive portrayal.