Pinoy-directed action thriller features human, AI characters
MANILA, Philippines — The title of the forthcoming movie by Filipino director Danni Ugali may represent fire and ice.
“Nuclear Winter” also connotes a change in climate and forebodes a gloomy plight. That’s perhaps the initial tone of his action-thriller, but definitely there’s a ray of sunshine towards the end.
Produced by the UAE-based production company Rich Talent Vision, it will have its red-carpet premieres at the Gateway Cineplex Cinema 11 on Sept. 8 and at the SM Cebu on Sept. 9.
Sept. 10 will see its nationwide release.
“This is my fourth (full-length film), and I’ve done around seven to eight shorts,” said Danni, whose previous films include “The Maid in London” and “Bakas ni Yamashita,” in a recent media group chat before the actual press conference for the movie began.
“Definitely, there’s war, and (the story) happens during the winter season,” added he.
The film trailers pique one’s interest by giving one sights and soundbites about challenging powerful states and anticipating a new world order. However, what’s interesting to note, too, is the use of artificial intelligence, or AI, in the telling of the story.
“The first AI Filipino made,” shared Danni about the film, also mentioning the use of face swapping as an image processing method. “May mga characters na hindi mo malalaman kung AI ba… depende kung ano ‘to, kung mahahalata mo siyang AI, pero merong mga characters dito na mga support na AI generated talaga siya (there are character you wouldn’t know if AI, but it depends if you’ll notice it. There are supporting characters that have been AI generated).”
When the idea of AI was broached to him, Danni’s initial reaction was “medyo natakot ako (I was a bit scared at first)” and he knew the concern of actors close to him that it might replace and displace them eventually.
“Sabi ko, ‘Hindi naman. Actually, enhanced lang ‘to’ (I told them, ‘It won’t and will actually enhance the film),” said he. “(It’s) a mixture of human (actors) and AI.”
He shared that AI could be used for some considerations, such as supporting characters, the crowd and extras or bit players.
The technology or new approach in filmmaking is a help, especially when scenes require a massive number of people or getting permits, let’s say for a location shoot, which is sometimes challenging, as one could glean from the interview.
Well, human talent and creativity are still at its core.
Aside from his knowledge of action, Danni has also brought his know-how in drama to the film. He gave it with a touch of Filipino drama and style. So, expect also to shed some tears.
In the “Nuclear Winter” narrative, Ron Chan takes on the character of John Shaw, while Anastasiia Dymchenko and Hassan Reda play Scarlet Belsky and Dylan, respectively.
John is supporting a powerful government and helping the latter with its problems. Scarlet works as a secret service agent who finds an ally in Dylan.
“I can’t say if she’s bad or good,” said Anastasiia about her character, “but she believes in her mission for sure. She’s quite smart and highly trained… I kind of like the action… and she’s very powerful… She’s kind of a very strong woman in a man’s world.”
Hassan described his character as “very ruthless and remorseless” and said that “he (the character) doesn’t care,” adding that he has played similar characters before but Dylan is something else. He also liked the dramatic and action parts of the portrayal.
For Ron, he liked the parts where his character saved people, especially children.
“Although I wasn’t able to save everyone in the story because there (were) a lot of sacrifices… but at least at the end of the day, I (my character) saved lives,” said he.
All these actors, including the director, are based in the UAE.
Ron, who has been living there for 25 years and worked at first as a computer programmer, is actually making an acting debut in “Nuclear Winter.”
“It’s my first time (to act). It was fun and great, and we learned a lot,” said he.
Hassan and Anastasiia started their acting careers in their respective countries, Egypt and Russia, and they carry on in the UAE.
Hassan had 12-plus years of acting experience to bank on.
“I’ve been working (on) a lot of short films and TV series, and this is my first experience (with) a long feature film, especially mixing AI characters with live-action characters,” shared he.
Tapping Pinoy artists based in the UAE, the film also features Elnora Rosa Celis, Steve Fredriksen, Jelizaveta Mescerjakova, Maurice Ferando, Brian Pepito and Paul Al-Fakkas as the ensemble cast members.
(For details, please visit Rich Talent Vision on www.richtalentvision.com.)
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