‘Father Suarez’ director sensed priest’s healing powers
Director Joven Tan was taken by surprise when Saranggola Films executive producer Ms. Edith Fider told him to direct the Father Suarez biopic.
“Is it really me?,” Direk Joven recounted his conversation with the film executive. The biopic is his second film for Ms. Edith after he directed “Damaso” for them last year.
The former magazine editor-turned-director went to church after hearing the good news. “It’s a blessing so I felt it was just right to give thanks,” said the filmmaker who is also a composer.
He had heard and read about the healing priest, and had seen his masses on television. But he had no idea about the controversies that supposedly involved the charismatic man of the cloth.
“It was after I accepted the project that I researched about him and that was when I learned that he was kind of controversial,” said Direk Joven.
Direk Joven felt there was something different in the air when he finally met Fr. Suarez face to face. He sensed the priest had healing powers. He told Fr. Suarez that he had diabetes and he asked him to drink water that the priest prayed over. His sugar level dropped, Direk Joven swears.
The director knew he was taking on a big challenge in helming the biopic. “This is about a real person and his life. It is hard to do because we have to maintain a balance in everything. We must be truthful in what we are going to say in the movie. Fr. Suarez guided us every step of the way. Almost 80 percent of the movie was finished when he died. He was able to watch the rough cut of the movie and gave his input. He was able to say what he thought of the movie and what was not right about it. We consulted with him even with the dialogue,” Direk Joven shared.
John Arcilla was the first choice to play Fr. Suarez and the director said at first he was kind of intimidated with him since it was the first time they were working together.
Direk Joven had a good feeling when he agreed to do the film. “It feels light. Saka ano ba ang pinakamagandang gawin kundi yung nakakapagbigay ka ng message sa mga tao na ‘Kapit lang.’ Parang mayroon ka na rin naibigay sa mga tao. Kasi ang movie, ‘yun ang ibinibigay. Maniniwala ka lang na matatapos din ito. Maliligtas tayo lahat. Matutupad.”
According to those who’ve seen the film, this is Direk Joven’s best work.
“We have our own interpretation or taste. Sometimes when you join a contest, you know you gave your best but the jurors saw something else. It’s fine with me. What is important is that we are able to improve in everything we do. Not everyone will like what you’ll do but I believe in giving your best and always aim to improve your work.”
It was Fr. Suarez who said they will make a movie and it will be accepted at the festival. They submitted it as entry in the summer MMFF but it was not chosen. When the producers were planning to release it, there was the pandemic. So they tried it again in the December filmfest. Not only was it accepted, the film bio won the Gatpuno Antonio Villegas Memorial Award.
“He had a colorful life. He said if you enter priesthood, you will encounter many obstacles. That is part of the life of a priest and I understood where Fr. Suarez was coming from. There are many challenges along the way and it’s up to you to decide if you will accept being a priest and go through the temptations that might come along the way,” the director said.
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