Cinemalaya 2014: Elmo Magalona sheds wholesome image in '#Y'

MANILA, Philippines – Known for his teenybopper roles in movies and TV shows, Elmo Magalona shows off his daring side in “#Y,” one of the entries in the New Breed category of this year's Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival.

Directed by Gino Santos, “#Y” is a coming-of-age film that aims to define millennials with teen suicide, social media, sex drug, and alcohol as backdrop.

Like Santos' 2012 Cinemalaya entry “The Animals,” “#Y” shows a gritty and realistic depiction of the middle class Filipino youth.

Headlining the film are young stars Elmo Magalona, Coleen Garcia, Kit Thompson, Slater Young, and Sophie Albert.

Although Elmo recognizes his role in “#Y'” is different from those he did in the past, the GMA-7 actor still took on the challenge.

“I don’t want to lose the opportunity to be part of this film that when they offered me this project, I didn’t hesitate at all. I don’t worry a bit if it affects my wholesome image because I really want to act. And once the movie starts rolling, it’s not me anymore because I’m there for the part,” he said in a previous interview with the STAR.

Elmo admits he didn't take acting seriously at first. But his experience with “#Y” helped appreciate the nuances of his craft.

“Natutunan ko na iba-iba ang approach talaga sa acting. Hindi biro yung ginagawa ng mga actor. Kapag umaarte ka, dapat hindi one-dimensional. I feel my knowledge of acting became deeper,” he told Philstar.com

The 10th Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival runs from August 1 to 10.

#Y Screening schedule and venue: