MANILA, Philippines – Actor and Quezon City congressman Alfred Vargas dreams the country's crop of independent films will be able to compete with mainstream films in terms of box office.
“My dream is to prove to everyone that an independent film can earn as much as a mainstream film,” he said in an interview with members of press recently.
He added, “I think I'm still far from that as a producer, but that is my goal. Para kahit sino ka, basta Pilipino ka, basta may creativity ka, may pera ka o wala, basta maganda ang pelikula mo kikita ka.”
Alfred co-produced and starred in “Separados,” one of the 10 films in the New Breed category of this year's Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival.
He previously produced the 2011 Cinemalaya film “Busong” and the 2012 independent film “Ang Supremo.”
Independent films in the country are “incredibly on (their) way to the top.”
However, Alfred believes that the local audience “is not yet prepared” for the kind of narratives offered by indie films.
“In terms of creativity, I think we're at par with Korea, with Bollywood, or even Hollywood. And I think in terms of talent, I think we're the best in Asia pag dating sa acting, directing” he said.
Alfred explained, “But of course, one day, in a few years, I think magmemeet na rin yung level of creativity and expectations ng tao when it comes to quality films.”
The actor-politician chose his role in “Separados,” a film that also stars Victor Neri, Jason Abalos, Ricky Davao, and Erik Santos.
“I just love the script so when I saw the six characters, I fell in love with the character that I'm playing,” he said. “Although it's an ensemble effort, I still believe in the project.”
The 10th Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival runs until August 10.
10th Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival:
NEW BREED CATEGORY:
#Y | 1st ko si 3rd | Dagitab | Bwaya | Children's Show | K'na, The Dreamweaver | Mariquina | Ronda | s6parados | Sundalong Kanin
DIRECTORS SHOWCASE
Asintado | Hari ng Tondo | Hustisya | The Janitor | Kasal
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