Why veteran stars agreed to be directed by Alessandra De Rossi in one-shot film
The veteran actors of VIVA Films’ “Everyone Knows Every Juan” described their director, Alessandra De Rossi, as someone who knew exactly what to do on set and brought a sense of humor to the atmosphere.
The drama-comedy movie, now showing in cinemas, delves into the chaotic, love-hate nature of a Filipino family. “Everyone Knows Every Juan” marks Alessandra’s second film as a director after “My Amanda” in 2021.
According to the media release, the story is about The Sevilla Siblings, played by Edu Manzano, Ruby Ruiz, Gina Alajar, Ronnie Lazaro, Joel Torre and Alessandra, who gather at their ancestral home following the first death anniversary of their mother, Juaning Sevilla, portrayed by Liza Lorena.
With the glaring differences in status and personalities, the siblings have become estranged, and each of them is keeping a secret that can permanently ruin their already strained relationships.
One secret, however, cannot be kept for long and is the reason why they are gathered in the first place: Rose had their mother’s body exhumed for an autopsy report.
Everyone erupts in anger, but the autopsy report is seen to clear up the circumstances surrounding their mother’s death, especially because there are other people in their midst: Anna (Angeli Bayani), Juaning’s former caretaker and an escapee from a mental hospital; Jacob (Kelvin Miranda), Juaning’s gardener, who has an unexpected claim to the ancestral house; and Alfred, Raquel’s live-in partner, who insists on letting Jacob defend himself as the family questions his true intentions and involvement.
Soon, deep-seated issues surface, more shocking secrets are revealed, and their ancestral house is at the point of crumbling down, just like their fragile bonds.
“Everyone Knows Every Juan” also stars JM De Guzman, with a special participation of Empoy Marquez, Jaime Fabregas and many others.
It was revealed at a presscon that Alessandra handpicked the star-studded cast and she initially pitched the film material for the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF).
“When I saw the talent fee (of the actors), I said, ‘OK, let’s finish this in one day.’ I created this, supposedly, for MMFF. But Boss Vic had another idea,” shared Alessandra.
The entire flick was captured in one continuous take.
“We filmed in two days. This is going to be amazing because it’s uncut,” said Ronnie.
“It felt like theater on field, it was like a play. It may seem simple but believe it or not, it was not,” added Edu.
Jaime, for his part, described the movie as “one-of-a-kind.” “It’s hard to explain but matutuwa po kayo.”
Moreover, despite the challenges of filming within a limited timeframe, the actors commended their director for successfully pulling it off.
It has always been a dream of Kelvin to work with Alessandra again after their previous project together. “I’m thankful to be part of this. I felt overwhelmed. It’s like we were just playing but I was overwhelmed because all of them are great actors.”
“Sobrang hindi ko naramdaman ang pagiging director niya. She didn’t want to be called director Alex,” chimed in Ruby, who further described the film’s concept as “very creative, bold and daring. I felt flattered, honored and excited upon learning that I’m part of this cast.”
On the other hand, accepting the offer was a no-brainer for Angeli, knowing that Alessandra would be directing. “It’s about time. I’m very happy. No second thoughts. I said yes right away without knowing the details.”
“When I learned about the details and who my co-actors are, parang it’s a gift na lang. I always say that it’s a gift to be in the company of such immensely talented people, and I’ll never get over it. So, thank you talaga Alex for putting us together,” she added.
“I know that ‘pag sinabing Alex, baliw yan,” quipped JM, adding how passionate Alessandra is about her craft. “I know that I would learn a lot from this project. So, I got excited when they told me that I’m part of this film… The cast inspired me in terms of work ethics and professionalism.”
For Ronnie, he immediately said yes to the offer. “Because guys, if you’re going to see the film and know how we did it, matutuwa kayo. Hindi lamang sa mapapanood ninyo (also) kung papano namin ginawa, (it’s) the best!”
Edu, meanwhile, recalled how taxing it was for them to bring their characters to life.
“It is a leap of faith,” he stated. “When we learned kung gaano ka-ambitious yung plan, standards, the reluctancy, one minute lang. When I saw my co-actors and they all said yes, (I said) If they’ll do it, I’ll do it.”
“I’ve worked with them (in the past) but it’s the first time I worked with them again because ang demanding nung hiningi ng aming role. Alex is young but she knows what she wants to do. She would entertain if you have suggestions, but, wala, eh. Ganun din pala yung gusto niya. ‘Direk, can I add something to my character because I have this idea?’ (Alessandra would reply), ‘Maganda yan. But this is what you’re going to do.’ OK, tigil.”
Alessandra, who was sitting next to Edu, just laughed at his remarks.
Edu then joked that he had a “bold and daring” love scene with Ruby, something he said that had never been done before in Philippine cinema. “Hopefully, I piqued your curiosity to watch this film.”
Award-winning actress and director, Gina commented on Alessandra’s directing style, “Ay naku ang masasabi ko — she knows exactly what she wants. She’s the type of director who doesn’t say that much because I know that she respects the actors that she directs.”
“But she’s not afraid to say what she wants to say. No intimidation. And it’s a happy set because she’s a very happy person. No dull moments with her,” added the seasoned director.
Gina shared that she directed Alessandra when she was 14 years old in the TV series “Kirara, Ano ang Kulay ng Pag-ibig?” and she was already impressed by her acting chops then.
“Amy Austria and I said, ‘Magaling ang batang ‘to.’ And what did you say when I told you that?” Gina passed the mic to Alessandra, who answered, “Alam ko naman yun.” And they both laughed.
Gina was, nevertheless, elated to be Alessandra’s first choice in the film.
- Latest
- Trending
