Award-winning filmmaker reveals dream of creating Filipino musical movie
Renowned filmmaker Brillante Ma Mendoza shared his aspiration of producing an original musical film that resonates with the Filipino audience and encourages them to sing along. Mendoza expressed that Filipinos have a deep love for music but highlighted the obstacle of high costs associated with obtaining rights to use songs, which hinders the creation of Filipino musicals despite the abundance of singing celebrities in the country.
Notable Filipino musical films include works by directors such as Chito Roño, Loy Arcenas, and Chris Martinez. Mendoza aims to merge magic realism with jukebox songs, enabling the audience to sing along with the artists using familiar and relatable tunes commonly found in karaoke bars across the Philippines.
The acclaimed director emphasized the potential of singers transitioning into acting roles, citing examples like Lady Gaga who successfully navigated both fields. Mendoza believes in the emotive power of storytelling through songs, depicting how music can evoke various emotions and transform moods in just a few minutes.
In his latest dramatic film “Moro,” set to premiere on Netflix on July 19, Mendoza incorporates cultural elements and narratives from the Muslim community in Mindanao. The film delves into the aftermath of the 2015 Mamasapano clash from the perspective of individuals affected by the tragic event, aiming to give a voice to marginalized communities.
Mendoza undertook significant revisions and reshoots for “Moro” after realizing the need to split the original four-hour-long narrative into two parts for better storytelling. The director emphasized the importance of showcasing diverse cultural traditions and experiences in his films, shedding light on the unique practices of Mindanao’s Muslim communities.
Despite the accessibility of streaming platforms like Netflix, Mendoza acknowledged the unparalleled experience of watching films on the big screen, underscoring the impact of advanced technology and superior audiovisual quality on the audience’s viewing experience.
Through his commitment to highlighting underrepresented narratives and cultures in Filipino cinema, Mendoza continues to push boundaries and ignite conversations through his powerful storytelling on the silver screen.
