Direk Joel explores pageantry’s dark side on screen, eyes Martial Law film
Veteran director Joel Lamangan continues to hope he can fully heal from the lingering trauma he experienced during the Martial Law.
It is widely known in showbiz that the former student activist was incarcerated for several years during the Ferdinand Marcos Sr. regime. The subject resurfaced when the multi-awarded filmmaker was asked about why he wasn’t spotted in Malacañang-hosted gatherings related to Philippine cinema, including the “An Evening with the Stars” gala event last month that was attended by some of the entertainment industry’s most prominent figures.
“I was detained for four years,” he recalled to The STAR. “At ang torture na ginawa sa akin? Naku dyusko, pinaupo ako sa yelo, sinuntok ako ng sinuntok, sinampal, lahat ng uri ng pananakit, kinuryente pa ako…”
Asked how he managed to survive, he said, “Sinasabi ko lang na kailangan buhay ako, kailangan buhay ako, kaya naman buhay ako, bata ako nun so malakas (pa ang katawan),” adding that he was detained twice. “The first time was (when) I was 17 after high school, 1973 to 1975, and 1977 to 1979. Sa Southern Tagalog ako, then I went to Manila, studied at UP, sa Bicutan naman ako dinala nung hinuli ako.”
Direk Joel acknowledged that the trauma has not completely faded even after more than 50 years.
“Malakas pa rin, hindi pwede makalimutan. Malakas! That’s why may fear parati sa military, may fear sa akin dahil sa trauma sa nangyari sa akin.”
The 73-year-old director expressed hope that healing will still come. “Pero sana dahan-dahang….pero matagal na yun… sana mawala.”
He has, however, chosen not to attend Malacañang events under the current administration. Maybe if these are held in another venue and for the benefit of the industry, not purely socialization, he might give it a thought.
“Pero yung mga nangyayari ngayon, na Marcos (Pres. Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr.) ulit ang presidente, hindi ko gusto ang mga nangyaryari ngayon… mga (reports of) corruption na mapangahas kaya hindi ko ambition na dumating sa anumang imbitasyon na manggagaling sa kanila.”
At the same time, he clarified that he respects colleagues who choose differently.
“But I don’t want to be judgmental about it. If they believe that what they’re doing is right, I’ll respect that. Just like they have to respect what I believe in. I respect it, I don’t condemn it.”
Direk Joel also said he has no plans of slowing down anytime soon.
“Hindi ako magre-retire. Until my body can take (the rigors of filmmaking), I will do it. Mga kasabayan ko, hindi na gumagawa, ako nalang, si Joey Reyes and Chito Roño.”
Besides, he plans to bring more stories to the screen, including a Martial Law project told through the lens of mothers.
“First of all, gusto kong gumawa ng totoong storya nung panahon nung Martial Law sa punto de vista ng isang ina.”
He already has a concept and casting ideas in mind.
“Elizabeth Oropesa is one. Tapos may anak na involved. Paano yung trauma ng ina… napakahirap dun sa mga nanay ng mga involved na anak. Paano nila gagawin, at isipan nila na mapigilan ito or palayain ito… Paano nililinaw sa isipan nila ang pinaglalaban ng batang ito.”
Meanwhile, his latest film, “All About Her,” tackles the darker side of pageantry. The psychological drama-thriller is inspired by actual cases involving the murder of beauty queens.
It stars real-life titleholders Kelley Day and Yuki Sonoda.
“This film is an exploration of ambition in its most intoxicating and destructive form,” he said in a separate statement.
“At its core, it tells the story of two formidable women — Isabela and Olivia — whose lives intersect within the ruthless arena of the prestigious Miss Global Philippines pageant.”
“They are alike in intelligence, discipline, and hunger. Yet what ultimately distinguishes them is not their ambition, but the manner in which they choose to pursue it,” he added.
Isabela, portrayed by Yuki, is driven to win at any cost.
“She understands the machinery behind the crown and makes a conscious decision to play the game on her own terms — even if it means compromising herself,” he said.
“In her relentless pursuit of victory, she crosses moral boundaries, engaging in illicit relationships with judges and franchise powerholders to secure her ascent. For Isabela, the crown is not merely a title; it is validation, power and survival.”
In contrast, Olivia, played by Kelley, takes a more measured approach.
“Opposite her stands Olivia — equally poised, equally formidable, but far more strategic. Where Isabela acts with urgency, Olivia moves with patience,” he said.
When Isabela wins and Olivia becomes first runner-up, tensions escalate.
“When Isabela is ultimately crowned Miss Global Philippines, Olivia becomes the first runner-up — close enough to the throne to feel its weight, close enough to believe it should have been hers. From that moment, the narrative descends into psychological warfare.”
Olivia retaliates by targeting Isabela’s personal life, including her relationship with William, played by Tony Labrusca.
“Resentment is cultivated slowly, almost invisibly, until it matures into something far more dangerous,” he said.
“When the final truth surfaces, it is less a twist than an unveiling — a confrontation with the cost of unchecked ambition.”
The cast also includes Marco Gomez, Angelica Cervantes, Jim Pebanco and Itan Rosales, most of whom Joel worked with for the first time.
“Working with this ensemble has been both an honor and a privilege… each contributing nuance and gravity to the world of the film,” he said.
He also commended writer and actress Quinn Carrillo.
“I am particularly proud of my collaboration with Quinn Carrillo, a writer of remarkable instinct and boldness. Her storytelling embraces complexity, refusing to render these women as simple heroes or villains. Instead, she presents them as fully realized individuals shaped by desire, ego and the hunger to be seen.”
“This is not merely a story about beauty queens; it is a psychological drama about identity and entitlement, about the illusion of control, and about the devastating consequences of believing that victory justifies everything.
“In the end, the crown is only a symbol. The true battle is for dominance — over image, over narrative and over truth itself,” he added.
During the press conference, he likewise confirmed that the film draws inspiration from more recent news on the deaths of beauty queens, where police officers were implicated.
Produced by 3:16 Media Network, “All About Her” is screening in Philippine cinemas until March 29 as part of the ongoing Sinag Maynila Film Festival headed by Cannes-winning director Brillante Mendoza.
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