MANILA, Philippines- Ritz Azul is happy to be part of Cinemalaya entry "S6parados," also her first film.
Since she won on TV5 talent search show "Star Factor" in 2011, Ritz was given a series of TV shows. Though she was supposed to star in an MMFF entry "Mga kuwento ni Lola Basyang" in 2012, the movie was eventually withdrawn.
She, however, said that she is excited that she's making her film debut in Cinemalaya X.
"I had a great experience," Ritz said in an email interview with philSTAR.com, talking about her film. "I learned a lot. Sobrang nag-enjoy ako sa film.
"Ibang-iba sya sa TV. Siyempre, may konting kaba akong naramdaman nung first day but friendly kasi 'yung production [staff] and mabait lahat ng cast kaya naging at ease ako."
In the movie, she plays the role of Gabby, a culinary student that will marry Santi (Victor Neri) who is a "separado" or divorced guy.
The Kapatid actress says that she didn't hesitate to do the film since its story is something new to her as an actress.
"I grab every opportunity," she replied when asked what made her accept the project. "Tinatanggap ko naman lahat ng roles na binibigay sa akin, as long as makakaya ko and hindi siya beyond ng limitations ko, di ko iniisip kung bida or not.
"And lahat naman ng offer sa akin, dumadaan sa management (TV5) like this one, S6parados. Maganda yung story, yung production, yung role, and it's a Cinemalaya entry so we grabbed it, nag-go kami."
Another thing that makes this film special is that this convince Victor Neri to make a showbiz comeback, and Erik Santos to make a film debut.
"S6parados" is directed by GB Sampedro, who himself has a colorful lovelife.
He proved his passion for his craft when he made a debut in film making by directing the indie film "Astig" (Squalor), winning him the Best Director award for Cinemalaya in 2009.
The Cinemalaya Film Festival will run from August 1 to 10.
Here is the list of the screening schedule and venue of “S6parados”:
August 2:
03:30 PM | CCP Studio Theater (Tanghalang Huseng Batute)
06:30 PM | Fairview Terraces Cinema 5
August 3:
04:00 PM | Greenbelt 3 Cinema 5
09:00 PM | CCP Main Theatre (Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo)
August 4:
06:30 PM | Trinoma Cinema 1
09:00 PM | Alabang Town Center Cinema 4
09:00 PM | Greenbelt 3 Cinema 4
August 5:
03:30 PM | CCP MKP Hall
09:00 PM | Trinoma Cinema 4
August 6:
06:30 PM | Greenbelt 3 Cinema 5
August 7:
10:00 AM | CCP Main Theatre (Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo)
01:30 PM | Alabang Town Center Cinema 4
01:30 PM | Greenbelt 3 Cinema 4
06:30 PM | Fairview Terraces Cinema 5
August 8:
12:45 PM | CCP MKP Hall
01:30 PM | Trinoma Cinema 4
August 9:
03:30 PM | CCP Little Theater (Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino)
03:30 PM | CCP Studio Theater (Tanghalang Huseng Batute)
04:00 PM | Trinoma Cinema 1