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At this time, he is probably the most controversial filmmaker in the country. If you are a frequent visitor of entertainment websites, I’m sure you’ve bumped onto these topics recently: Cinemalaya 2012, MNL 143, Emerson Reyes.
Who is Emerson Reyes?
He is a young Batangueño filmmaker who created Walang Katapusang Kwarto, Cinemalaya 2011’s Best Film under the Short Feature Category. Emerson bagged the Best Screenplay for this film which also won the Audience Choice Award.
He took up Multimedia Arts at De La Salle – College of St. Benilde after spending his entire grade school and high school years at De La Salle Lipa.
On Filmmaking
He got to develop his craft in college where video production was part of his curriculum, one in which he fell in love with right away. “I think it’s more of passion for the craft. As a child, I’m fond of reading books and watching movies. I think that got me interested in the art of filmmaking,” Emerson shared.
His passion for the art of filmmaking was influenced by a lot of known filmmakers from the foreign ones such as Pedro Almodovar, Michel Gondry, Wong Kar Wai, Richard Linklater, to the local industry’s Mike de Leon, Lino Brocka, Ishmael Bernal, Peque Gallaga, Khavn de la Cruz, and John Torres.
Although Emerson was the biggest winner in the Short Feature Category in last year’s Cinemalaya, he claims that as a filmmaker, it’s not the recognition that he considers the sweetest. “I think the process of creating a film and finishing it is always my sweetest achievement,” he said.
Believing that “it’s always nice to create your own”, Emerson is also firm in standing up for what he think his creation deserves in an avenue where “freedom” should be reflected, expressed, and justified.
The Cinemalaya Controversy
MNL 143 is Emerson’s entry in the Cinemalaya 2012 Independent Film Competition under the New Breed Category. But on February 27, the Cinemalaya organizers filed disqualification on Emerson’s film due to casting issue.
Even character actor Allan Paule, who Emerson and his producer picked for the lead role, has already aired his side on the disqualification of the project. Here’s what Emerson has to say.
WOWBatangas.com: Why Allan Paule and Joy Viado?
Emerson Reyes: Because they are good actors. I’ve worked with Allan Paule on one of my short films and he’s really good. That’s why I wrote MNL 143 for him. The idea of the leading lady went through a brainstorming process. We think that Joy Viado will give good justice to the role.
W: If a mainstream production outfit expresses the intention of producing your MNL 143, but they will have to give the roles to actors they think would “sell more”, would you think twice and accept the offer to have the movie go mainstream?
E: We’re already doing MNL 143 independently. I don’t have a problem with the mainstream because they are clear with their intentions.
I earn a living by doing video productions for private corporations. These corporations are producers who can practically dictate every single element that must come out of the video. They pay every single centavo to produce the video. But these companies do not represent the institution that showcases independent film making. They sell products and company image. They are not the venue for independent film making.
W: Why did the organizers make the wrong decision of disqualifying your entry? Would you still compete in the next Cinemalaya?
E: I do not close my mind to suggestions and other pertinent creative inputs if it means making the film look good. But to impose and dictate without even considering the context and the objective of the story is a direct insult to the integrity of the director and a gross violation of the festival’s concept of being “Malaya”.
Next Cinemalaya? Well, it depends.
W: You’ve just been married to Ninay (ABS-CBN’s Star Power finalist) last December, right? How is she supporting you on this?
E: She’s very supportive. I update her regularly and she always gives me personal advice.
W: What can you advise other young filmmakers especially the Batangueños who I know would show their support on your battle?
E: Well, I’m thankful for the Batangueño filmmakers for their overwhelming support. My advice to them is continue making films and fight for what is right.
Photos from Emerson’s Facebook profile.
I don’t like him. And he’s not a good role model to the youth. Nakaoffend siya sa isang school sa batangas na ginawa siyang guest speaker.