Mon Confiado's 'indie' spirit

MANILA, Philippines – Mon Confiado believes that the independent cinema keeps the dying Philippine movie industry alive.

“It’s saddening to note that only a handful are producing quality films. The major production companies keep on churning out only commercial films, the so-called feel-good movies.

“But we can’t blame these major productions because there’s the  slump they contend with. I believe that the indie films are the life blood that keeps the industry alive and kicking,” Mon says.

Talent fees are usually measly in indie films. They call it token or gas money. Does Mon approve of this set up?

“Given the present situation, TF (talent fee) or budget has never been a problem to those who hire me. I understand the indie producers. The very little budget they invest isn’t easy to recoup. Their consolation is when they get good notices and break even. It’s about time that return-on-investment is not their prime reason in doing a project.

 “I can do indie movies for a song as long as the role is challenging enough and the project is worth doing,” Mon says.

Proofs of his passion are his recent filmography, Pilantik where Mon played lead as a deranged gay, under the direction of Argel Joseph.

He’s a gay talent manager in Jay Altarejos’ Laruang Lalake.

Much-awaited is the international film directed by Cesar Apolinario, where Mon is a battered prisoner.

He plays a suspected killer in Zamora Residence directed by new filmmaker Carlo Alvarez.

In Corazon megged by Richard Somes, he plays best friend to Derek Ramsey, who hates vampires.

He’s a grave digger/pimp in the now showing Neal Tan horror movie Babae sa Sementeryo.  

Mon is again a syndicate member in Pirata by Jon Red, which stars Ronnie Lazaro. This is a study on men’s hypocrisy.

In Joel Lamangan’s upcoming Deadline, Mon is a hired killer and a family man from Maguindanao.

In the digi-movie Tsardyer by Siegfreid Barros-Sanchez, he is a cameraman kidnapped by armed men. It’s part of the concluded Cinema One Originals festival at Shangri-La EDSA. As usual, Mon is ever-reliable especially in his execution scene.

Mon reflects: “With the birth of the independent digital films, filmmaking is democratized, giving both new filmmakers and veteran directors greater chances and freedom in doing films they love to do — a thing they might not have the chance to do in mainstream films. Usually, the indie films make the grade in prestigious film festivals abroad.

“The indie movies opened a new horizon to actors and artists, enabling them to experiment unique roles and approaches to filmmaking. This way, artists improve in their craft and somehow contribute to the movie industry,” Mon says.