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| photo by Joel Aquino |
I first met Joel Aquino last year at the GenSan Summer Film Camp. If I describe him, he is silent but when you got the chance to talk to him, he speaks sensible and sometimes philosophical topics. This guy is a “sleeping giant”, waiting for the right moment to strike with his unique vision as a filmmaker. In an interview, Joel shares about his film Kanulo (Betrayal) and how he overcomes the challenges in making his first (short) film.
What’s your history as a filmmaker?
First, let me thank you for this chance to speak about my first ever venture in filmmaking. I will say Titanic is the film that let me aspire to become a great director. I was in high school then and my classmates fell in love with it. I saw that several times already but I fell in love with the film as a whole and became interested in making one. I hope I will also have the chance to make big impact on many people as possible.
My first exposure on how to make a film was when I joined DV8 (Deviate) filmmaking workshop. It was a project sponsored by the National Youth Commission (NYC) which aimed to promote the millennium goals. Unfortunately, I was not able to finish it. But I continued dreaming.
It took several years before I got the chance to attend a directing workshop. I was in my late 20s already, the time that I already had the financial resource to support this dream. I attended IIFA’s (International Institute for Film and Arts now known as International Institute for Film, Broadcast and Arts) directing, basic cinematography and production management workshops as facilitated by international commercial director Crispo Mojica. Then, I was still perplexed in the process and still quite intimidated.
Then through Facebook I discovered Film Gym and met the people who supported me on my first attempt. We were taught by commercial and legendary director Serafin Reyes (he founded Mowelfund Film Institute) whom we fondly call Surf. He taught us about visual language. There, we explored creativity and the importance of basics in filmmaking.
While attending Film Gym, a classmate told me about GenSan Summer Film Workshop which was headed by director Teng Mangansakan. I got excited. Then, there I met you guys and I found you all to be awesome. Salamindanaw was running in my mind. The agreement that we will do a short film was exciting and at the same time, frightening. What marked in my mind was the creation of story. That was developed in me in that workshop.
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| A film exercise during the GenSan Summer Film Camp last year |
After Gensan, I also attended TGT (Talento Galing Tondo) Filmmaking Workshop. It was director Tony Reyes (director of many films that made us laugh), who headed this workshop. I joined in teacher/director Gerry Jumawan’s “Luha ng Kahapon” as an Assistant Director (AD). I also supported a friend’s mini-projects as supporting actor, gaffer and producer.
Right now, I am attending director Armando Bing Lao’s Found Writing Workshop.
Where did your idea for Kanulo’s plot come from?
It was sir Borgy who suggested me to do a horror film project. He said that it’s not common in film festivals. I related that to my past experience of a friend getting possessed. While developing the story I picked up a lot of cues from online resources. Pretty much it is a real life story with spices.
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| A scene from Kanulo (Betrayal) |
Can you tell me the challenges that you and your crew encountered during the shooting of the film.
This is hard to tell but I will be honest that we had encountered a great one. During the shoot we encountered heavy rains, a typhoon was ravaging Luzon. Financial constraint was also a big hindrance. I thought that it will just be a breeze filming Kanulo but it was not the case. We had to re-shoot everything because we’re changing locations. Our budget was just for 2 days but the shoot extended to 5 days and we ran out of cash. Luckily, our Production Designer Icx lent his house so we can complete the said project. Thanks Icx.
What did you learn from this project?
As the director of the project I had learned a lot especially dealing with people. There were personal concerns that are until now not yet resolved but I am hoping for the wounds to heal in due time.
Kanulo is supposed to be screened last year in the 1st Salamindanaw International Film festival. Can you tell me what happened?
It was an unfortunate situation that Kanulo did not make it for the Salamindanaw International Film Festival. I felt devastated. We had a hard time getting that edited. I just had that project edited early this year. I studied editing for the sake of getting that done but eventually I outsourced the service. Perhaps, it is really not meant to be.
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| The suicide scene (photo by Joel Aquino) |
I notice your film has good make up and prosthetic. How did you prepare for it?
I would like to give the credit to Icx Icay, this guy is really talented. He was our Production Designer and special effects master in that project. He’s also part of Lav Diaz’s Norte. It surprised me that he is into Philippine mythology. It helped me channel the feel of Kanulo. Also, my Director of Photography Oliver Cruz, he contributed a lot to the Kanulo project visually.
Describe Kanulo in one word.
Choice.
What’s your dream film project?
I love to make a film as lavish as Game of Thrones and the likes of Cameron and Bay’s films. l look forward to creating an Asian film similar to Avatar. That’s my visual preference. I understand Filipinos delve more into real life stories, I think I will veer away from that. For now, I can’t really tell and I am about to discover more.
After Kanulo, what’s next?
I am looking forward to getting into Cinemalaya and Cannes but much more I love my works to be seen by as many people as possible around the world. I love my name to ring in the ears of many people. I dream to capture the heart of the people through film and the like. That will be my dream. I plan to go mainstream but I am still building my portfolio.
What advice would give to those who want to pursue filmmaking?
It is never too late to achieve your dreams. At the age of 30, I am just getting started. Just do it. Rock on!
-KANULO (BETRAYAL)-
Synopsis:
In life we are always posed with two choices: to gain or to lose. The story revolves around the lives of two friends who were left with a choice that matters a life and death.
This started when a group of friends dared to call a spirit. They didn’t know that what they called was a fallen angel. This incident caused a breakup in their friendship and family. Jonas was sent to province and got renewed while Job had a hell-like life. Those who cared for him during his struggle died. This forced him to revenge on his birthday.
CAST & CREW
Director
Joel Aquino
Producers
Joel Aquino
Henry Iporac
Writers
Joel Aquino
Jane Mariel Andes
Asst. Director
Jennifer Dabu
Cinematographer
Oliver Cruz
1st Asst. Camera
Julienne Rei Sabiniano
Gaffer
Eugene Adalia
Production Design
Jose Francis “Icx” Icay
Special Effects
Jose Francis “Icx” Icay
Audio
Editors
Jillene Martin Baniqued
Regina Navarrete
Direk Teng Mangansakan
Script Consultant
Storyboard Artists
Eugene Adalia
Jason Daño
Production Manager
Jennifer Dabu
Location Manager
Jose Francis “Icx” Icay
Leo Dilay
Jennifer Dabu
Behind the scenes
Francis Lumahan
Henry Iporac
Eugene Adalia
Yul Roque
Leo Dilay
Support Staff
Sherwin Ferrer
-Cast of Characters-
Jonas - Danilo V. Hernandez Jr.
Job - Leonard Tabigue
Luna - Julienne Rei Sabiniano
Bal/Devil - Arthur P. Padillo
Flagellant #1 - Joseph O. Moslares Jr.
Flagellant #2 - Manny ‘Macky’ Peñaredondo
Nona - Roan Kate Villalon
Grandma - Rosalina Royo
Dark entity - Jose Francis “Icx” Icay
Pastor - Joel Aquino
Friends - Jennifer Dabu & Rex ‘Noy’ Villadares
-Special Thanks to:
Jeffrey Sonora & Roxanne Roman
FPJ Studios
Icay Family
Royo Family
Dilay Family
Meika Catog
Chairman and Barangay Council, Barangay Onse, San Juan City
Natividad Subd. Homeowners Association, Deparo, Caloocan City
