Riding-in-tandem criminals spotlighted in new indie drama

CEBU, Philippines – Although best known as one of the three directors of the stylish 2014 trilogy “Bang Bang Alley,” where his segment “Makina” got the most favorable reviews, King Palisoc is no neophyte to filmmaking.

He has been a sought-after director of TV commercials and music videos for rock artists like Pupil, Rico Blanco, Sponge Cola, Kjwan, Sugarfree, Tanya Markova and Itchyworms. Prior to “Bang Bang Alley,” he wrote the story and screenplay for the Star Cinema romantic comedy “Babe, I Love You” starring Anne Curtis and Sam Milby.

His latest work and first full-length feature is “Tandem,” an indie crime drama that was recently invited to two festivals in Canada: the Montreal World Film Festival (August 27 through September 7) and the the Vancouver International Film Festival (September 24 through October 9).

“Tandem” will be screened in Montreal’s Focus on World Cinema section and Vancouver’s Dragons and Tigers series.

The film is the story of two brothers (JM de Guzman and Nico Antonio) who make a living out of robbing people while speeding on their motorbike. After a robbery goes awry, the petty criminals are forced to become hitmen who are way in over their heads.

In tackling such a timely and subject as the riding-in-tandem criminals, Palisoc says he and screenwriter Zig Marasigan were very careful not to glorify these criminals who commit such deplorable acts of seemingly random killings, mostly in broad daylight.

“It was a discussion that was brought up during the initial stages of pre-production, and we were very conscious of that when we were developing the story. We wanted to make sure that our characters didn’t come off as sympathetic, nor did we want the film to patronize criminal acts. Rather, we wanted to tell a story about characters that the audience can dissect and understand, and how they can find themselves somehow connecting to their experiences in the story,” Palisoc said.

As working in tandem goes, the filmmaker added that his constant collaboration with Marasigan, who is also a film critic, has been a very productive experience for both of them.

“Zig and I were classmates back in college, but our first collaboration was in 2006 when he wrote the screenplay for my short film ‘Mahal Ko Si Direk,’ which was produced for a class under the late director Marilou Diaz-Abaya. Since then, Zig has always been my constant and trusted collaborator as well as a good friend. We would always find ourselves working together, whether it be for a music video, or brainstorming for ideas for Star Cinema, or developing stories for future potential projects,” he revealed.

As for his lead actors, Palisoc is all praises for JM and Nico. The director admits that his young actors, who have accumulated an impressive body of mostly acclaimed work in their very young careers, have some input in the development of their respective characters.

“JM and Nico are both amazing actors that brought their own unique takes on the story. It was my first time working with both, and I was really amazed by how they approached their characters.,” Palisoc enthused.

“Early on in the project, Nico was even willing to go as far as interviewing actual inmates for research. And JM was generous enough to share his own experiences that helped in molding his character. Not to be biased or anything, but I honestly think that JM and Nico’s work in ‘Tandem’ are their best performances yet, and its really something that the audience should watch out for.”

Palisoc hopes that even though “Tandem” is scheduled to do the rounds of international film festivals for the rest of the year, a local theatrical release will not be far behind.

“I believe the film will have its Philippine premiere pretty soon, and I’m looking forward to that!” he shared.

“Tandem” is produced by Tuko Film Productions, Buchi Boy Films and Quantum Films. — InterAksyon.com