Mother Lily: New era in Philippine filmmaking

In cinema, there are trailblazers and there are trailblazers. But Lily Monteverde is unquestionably the empress of trailblazing. Her vision is remarkable — like she can see what will happen in the future even without a crystal ball.

During the last Cinemalaya Festival she was present in all screenings and even brought snacks for her movie companions. She was there obviously to feel the new pulse of moviemaking and felt a strong attachment to the entry Ligo na U, Lapit na Me. She loved the film so much that she is releasing it herself commercially next week.

Below, the beloved Regal matriarch shares her opinions and insights on the now very successful indie filmmaking trend: 

• What is your assessment of the state of today’s local cinema?

This is the beginning of a new era in Philippine filmmaking where quality is not always equated to big budget but a good material, good script, good director and good actors. There is a great infusion of young blood and I am very happy with that. Independent cinema is fast gaining ground and I support them and I learn a lot from these young independent filmmakers.

• What are the reasons that brought mainstream cinema down?

Simply, there is a change in technology and mindset. The taste of Filipino audiences has changed too — so producers and filmmakers are challenged to come up with new, fresh materials and talents in order to be successful. Anything short of the quality expected in Philippine cinema — mediocrity and being stale — contribute to cinema’s downfall.

• How different are today’s indie projects from your pito-pito movies more than a decade ago?

Regal has always been supportive of independent projects. I have championed the brave indie projects of now recognized and esteemed directors like Jeffrey Jeturian, Lav Diaz, Mario O’Hara and Rico Ilarde — and I will continue to support the independent efforts of the young filmmakers who stretch their imagination and production values and cost — in order to churn out respectable film outputs. Personalities may have changed (a lot of indie directors before have done mainstream projects on TV and on film already), but the progressive indie principles remain.

• Did you immediately have faith in indie films?

Yes, because I have always been supportive and on the look out for young people who have new things to share and give us new hope and perspectives for this industry to continue evolving and improving.

• Can you see it taking over the local movie scene completely?

I can see a good co-existence between indie and mainstream productions. It always depends on the project — but if you ask me, I want more and more people to watch, patronize and support any Filipino film effort whether mainstream and especially indies — which truly need our help.

• What made you decide to release Ligo na U, Lapit na Me even if it was not churned out by the Regal Films factory?

I saw the film at the Cinemalaya run at the Cultural Center of the Philippines and I was really engaged in the story and the performance of Edgar Allan Guzman. I immediately called on its producer — himself, a Regal supporter, Noel Ferrer, and expressed my willingness to release and distribute the film commercially. Ligo Na U, Lapit Na Me is the film about the norms and culture of the young people today. The youth will definitely identify with the movie and this is also for us, young once and young-at-heart who want to understand the youth of today.

• How far do you think Edgar Allan Guzman will go as an actor?

I must say that Edgar Allan may not be a stunning looker compared to the standard mestizo matinee idols that we have now — but definitely, he lives up to his being the (last) “Mr. Pogi” winner. This young man has a lot of charm and talent. I was one of those who predicted that he would be named as Cinemalaya’s Best Actor. He truly deserved it — and I even predict that he would be a strong contender in the next awards season for his honest, sincere, fresh and very effective portrayal in Ligo Na U, Lapit Na Me. Instinctively, I told Noel Ferrer that he has a gem of a talent in his fold and that I want to share in Edgar Allan’s development as an important actor of his generation by signing him up to a film contract with Regal.

• How do you compare him to the Regal babies of the ’80s?

Edgar Allan is of a different mold. He can sing and dance. He can do drama and comedy with ease and excellence. He can also be cute, naughty and sexy — he has a wide range of emotions and roles that he can tackle. I am really happy that he is getting the attention and the breaks he truly deserves.

• How do you see him 10 years from now?

Edgar Allan is the kind of actor who can last long in the business if he continues to focus and be open to learning. I see him playing different significant roles and being recognized and receiving awards for his excellence. May he be continuously grounded and guided on the good side of the business and not be engulfed by instant fame and power. May he not, like some actors of his age, fall into the trap of a messy love life that would make him stagnant and distracted. Truly, as some critics have said, Edgar Allan is one of the important actors of his generation.

• Do you believe mainstream cinema will recover soon?

Definitely, it should recover soon — if we continue to help and support each other — whether mainstream and indie — we should all unite to get the film industry active and productive once again! Support indie efforts like Ligo Na U, Lapit Na Me.