Christian Bables: Shoo-in for MMFF Best Actor

Looks like Christian Bables is the actor to beat in the 2021 Metro Manila Film Festival awards.

In “Big Night”, the award-winning actor plays the role of a beautician who will do everything to erase his name from the watch list of suspected drug addicts.

“Even if the movie is comedy, we are talking about a serious topic but we want to treat it lightly. Had Christian turned it down, I would not push through with the movie because he fits the role to a T,” said director Jun Lana.

Christian is playing another gay role in “Big Night” just like in “Die Beautiful” for which he won several acting awards. But he and Direk Jun made an effort to distinguish his gay character here from “Die Beautiful” and “Panti Sisters.”

“I needed someone who is familiar and commercial. Someone who can carry the film. I was looking for a trait that only Christian can give. He can be sarcastic but funny at the same time. Kaya rin niya magpatawa at mag-drama nang todo,” said Direk Jun.

Christian initially turned down “Big Night” because it was another gay part, but later on agreed when Direk Jun explained it to him. The filmmaker declared: “It’s Christian or nothing.”

Does he see his lead star once again collecting trophies for “Big Night”? “Feeling ko mananalo na naman siya kasi ang galing-galing. Ang galing sa comedy. Ang galing din mag-shift from comedy to drama.”

“Big Night” is one of eight official entries to next month’s MMFF. It is produced by Cignal Entertainment, The IdeaFirst Company, Octobertrain Films and Quantum Films.

The other 2021 MMFF entries are:

•“A Hard Day” from Viva Communications, starring Dingdong Dantes and John Arcilla, directed by Law Fajardo

•“Love At First Stream” produced by ABS-CBN Productions, Inc.                and Kwentolabs, Inc. starring Anthony Jennings,Jeremiah Lisbo, Daniela Stranner and Kaori Oinuma

•“Kung Maupay Man It Panahon” (Whether the Weather is Fine) produced by Cinematografica, Plan C, House on Fire, iWantTFC, Globe Studios, Black Sheep, Quantum Films, AAND Company, Kawankawan Media, Weydemann Bros, CMB Films and starring Daniel Padilla, Charo Santos-Concio and Rans Rifol.

•“Nelia”, from A&Q Film Productions, starring Raymond Bagatsing and Wynwin Marquez, directed by Lester P. Dimaranan

•“Huwag Kang Lalabas” from Obra Cinema starring Jameson Blake, Joaquin Domagoso, Beauty Gonzales, Aiko Melendez and Kim Chiu

•“The ExorSis” from Tincan Productions, starring Toni Gonzaga and Alex Gonzaga directed by Fifth Solomon

•“Huling Ulan sa Tag-araw” from Heaven’s Best Entertainment  Productions, starring Rita Daniela and Ken Chan, directed by Louie Ignacio

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Shido Roxas is happy he was able to finish a movie despite the pandemic and this was chosen as an entry to the 2021 MMFF.

The film is “Nelia”, the initial offering of A&Q Film Productions owned by Atty. Aldwin Alegre and Atty. Melanie Quino.

“I am grateful to have been given opportunities to be part of two films,” said Shido in a brief interview at Novotel where MMFF 2021 press conference was held.

According to him, it is a big challenge to film during the pandemic because of the restrictions implemented by the different LGUs per instructions by the IATF.

“I am thrilled that ‘Nelia’ was chosen as one of the festival entries,” the actor said. “There were 19 top caliber films that competed for a slot and to be chosen as one of the Magic 8 is just cherry on top.”

In “Nelia”, Shido portrays a compassionate doctor with a hidden agenda. He is hoping for the best for the film industry now that cinemas have opened.

“It’s about time we embrace once again our pastime of watching movies,” said Shido. “I am confident that cinemas will be safe considering safety and health protocols being imposed.”