TAGA-INDIE NA SHA | Sharon Cuneta wants to do more independent films

August 8, 2017 - 7:30 PM
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Sharon Cuneta in 'Ang Pamilyang Hindi Lumuluha.'

Describing her work in Mes de Guzman’s “Ang Pamilyang Hindi Lumuluha” as a “great experience,” Sharon Cuneta now wants to do more independent films from hereon.

“I’m very excited, God willing, to support independent filmmakers in the future whether I’m starring in their movies or not,” the actress dubbed as the Megastar told InterAksyon during the recent Cinemalaya press conference that introduced the film.

In “Ang Pamilyang Hindi Lumuluha,” Sharon is not only credited as its lead star but also as executive producer along with Direk Mes. Having admitted that she had the time of her life doing the project, it looks like Sharon intends to produce more indie films in the future but not necessarily with her in the cast.

“Of course, it will depend on the story. In independent films, you have a good idea, turn it into a great story, get good actors and it is all systems go. You can then come up with a masterpiece, whether it’s short or long,” she pointed out.

That was how she felt when she accepted “Ang Pamilyang Hindi Lumuluha” which was specifically written for her by Direk Mes whose past films, “Diablo,” “Ang Kwento ni Mabuti,” and “Sitio” have won awards in other film festivals.

“I really wanted to do this film and devoted my time for it as I really wanted to be part of Cinemalaya,” Sharon enthused.

Sharon Cuneta poses with director Mes de Guzman during the recent grand press conference for Cinemalaya. (Photo courtesy of Cinelarga Multimedia Productions)

A black comedy about a desperate woman trying to reunite with her own broken family by finding the members of another family famous for “not weeping,” “Ang Pamilyang Hindi Lumuluha” is a marked departure from anything Sharon has done in her career.

“For the first time in my life, I did a film where I had no inhibitions. I didn’t care about how I looked. I didn’t care if I cursed in the film. I did what I needed to give to the audience and to my director,” Sharon confessed.

“I feel that independent films give actors the license to play with their characters without being conscious of their image or without worrying how people will judge them for it.”

Sharon also admitted that she was inspired with being surrounded by wonderful and passionate people who are devoted to their craft. During the Cinemalaya grand press conference, Sharon was visibly elated to be in the company of indie film stalwarts and even took a video of the program with her mobile phone.

“I’m very honored and very excited to be here with the filmmakers and actors who thrive on passion, love for the craft, and devotion to the industry. [For them], it’s not about making money to recoup a big budget or sticking with a certain image. It’s just pure passion, that’s the gasoline that fuels these artists,” she exclaimed.

Now that she has decided to take the indie route in her first film in eight years, hopefully and yes, God willing, Sharon Cuneta will be spending more time with these artists driven by pure passion in the very near future.

Also starring Niño Muhlach, Moi Bien, Kiko Matos, Flor Salanga, Joe Gruta, Cris Villanueva, Richard Quan, Michelle Vito, Philip Olayvar and Alonzo Muhlach, “Ang Pamilyang Hindi Lumuluha” is a feature length entry in the ongoing Cinemalaya Film Festival now screening at the Cultural Center of the Philippines with schedules at www.cinemalaya.org

In Ayala Cinemas, the film is now screening at Glorietta 4, Greenbelt 1, TriNoma, Fairview Terraces, U.P. Town Center, and now in Pampanga at Marquee Mall. For screening schedules, visit www.sureseats.com.