Award-winning Filipino director Brillante Mendoza stirred the Filipino entertainment industry when he announced he is planning to do a film starring three of its biggest stars — living legend Nora Aunor, award-winning actress/politician Vilma Santos and the current hearthtrob Coco Martin. Negotiations are underway, and if the director has his way, he will have accomplished a major casting coup.
Q. Quite a big news you announced last week. What are the chances?
A. Nora is already on board, and so is Coco. It’s just Vilma now who we’ve been trying to get in touch with. She’s busy with her duties as Governor of Batangas, but I’m sure it will happen. The last time I think Nora and Vilma starred together in a movie was in the ’80s, in T-Bird at Ako.
Q. What will it be about?
A. I have a story in mind, but I’d rather keep it to myself in the meantime. When everything is confirmed, I’d be happy to discuss the story and the roles that will be assigned to Nora, Vilma and Coco.
Q. Just give us an idea, anything.
A. It will be a commercial movie this time – meaning it will appeal more to the taste of the viewing masses. But it will be a quality commercial movie. I hate making these distinctions but just for the sake of exciting your senses, it will be a commercial vehicle that I hope will make the viewing public come to the cinemas in droves.
Q. Billing might be an issue. How will you do it?
A. On the contrary I doubt if it will be a problem. Both Nora and Vilma know their places are secure in Philippine cinema history, and Coco is just starting. These are all mature actors and level-headed people, so it will not be an issue.
Q. Which one will have an “acting” moment?
The film will not be a series of “acting moments” — it’s a fluid narrative that will showcase emotions, realities. I will not be the judge of their performances. I will leave that to the critics and the audience. Let them fight over that [laughs]. What I am after is the film as a whole, how all of these fantastic talents will be able to give justice to their roles. As to who shines the brightest is not up to me.
Q. Who else will be in the movie?
A. We have not gone that far yet, but as soon as the lead stars are confirmed, it will be easy to build the cast around them.
