Piolo Pascual returns to Cannes with ‘Ang Hupa’

CEBU, Philippines — After first gracing the world’s top film festival in 2013 when his Erik Matti-directed film “On The Job” was among the selections in the Directors’ Fortnight section, Piolo Pascual returned to the French Riviera last week to premiere “Ang Hupa.”

Directed by Lav Diaz, “Ang Hupa” debuted at the Cannes Film Festival Directors’ Fortnight on May 22. Piolo, alongside co-stars Shaina Magdayao, Pinky Amador, and Mara Lopez attended the premiere in behalf of Diaz and Spring Films, the production company he co-founded with director Joyce Bernal and talent manager Erickson Raymundo.

Apart from it being a four hour-plus sci-fi film, post-screening reviews indicate that the black and white feature is set in the dystopian future.

Piolo, who co-funded and acted on the film, was tight-lipped on details about “Ang Hupa.” He does let on that the film tackles sensitive issues and prefers it to speak for itself when audiences catch it on the big screen.

“I don’t know how to explain it. Medyo socially relevant. Political satire. You know Lav Diaz. He has his own way of cinema. What you can expect here is another brilliant…You know Lav is a writer, director, and production designer. He does all his films from his mind. He’s a game-changer. I really can’t say much,” Piolo told The FREEMAN in an interview when he was in Cebu to compete in the Sun Life 5150 Traithlon in Naga City.

As an actor and producer, Piolo appreciates the work of the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) with chairperson Liza Diño at the helm, in their efforts to bring Philippine cinema to the world stage. “More than the artistas, we’re bringing Filipino pride,” he said.

Announcing early this year that he will no longer accept teleserye projects, Piolo has had his hands full with producing more movies. Spring Films has churned out works like the “Kimmy Dora” films, “Kita Kita”, “Last Night” and “Meet Me in St. Gallen.” Movies in the pipeline are “Sunshine Family” and an upcoming movie about Mindanao’s war-torn Marawi.

Among their latest releases was “Kuya Wes” starring singer-songwriter Ogie Alcasid as a timid and earnest money remittance center employee who eventually falls for a regular client. A Cinemalaya 2018 entry, “Kuya Wes” had a commercial release in March. It did not do well in the box office.

“Of course, I’m heartbroken. That’s my business. But it doesn’t naman entail sure success sa box office. We wanted sana more support from our viewers which we didn’t have,” he said.

“You cannot fault it. Of course, post-mortem you think about where you went wrong. But we have a beautiful film. I’m not disappointed with how we presented the film.”

Definitely not disappointed are fans who have long been clamoring to see Piolo and Claudine Barretto have a second go on the big screen after the 2014 hit “Milan.” The two stars are set to reunite in a yet-untitled love story which will be directed by Cathy Garcia-Molina and shot in Florence, Italy.

“It’s a really nice concept. I’ve wanted to work with Cathy Garcia-Molina for the longest time, since we were kids. It’s gone full circle. Direk, me and Clau…Finally with Clau, it’s been more than 10 years since we were last paired up. I’m excited for her to be back in the game.”