September 24, 2024 | 12:00am
MANILA, Philippines — After focusing on commercial-making and reality shows such as Prime Video’s “Comedy Island Philippines” and “Last One Laughing: LOL Philippines,” director Randolph Longjas is back making feature films with “Mujigae.”
“It’s a bit hard because it feels like it’s our first time again,” direk Randolph told The STAR when asked about returning to film. “Thankful ako kasi na-hone yung sensibilities ko because of commercial-making and reality shows. Parang ako ngayon, I’m more prepared compared to the three films na nagawa ko dati.”
Randolph’s previous movies are “Ang Turkey Man ay Pabo Rin” (2013), “Star Na Si Van Damme Stallone” (2016) and “Buy Now, Die Later” (2015).
After losing her Filipino mother in South Korea, five-year-old Mujigae (Ryrie), a half-Korean, half-Filipino kid, ends up in the care of her estranged Aunt Sunny (Alexa) in the Philippines.
He stressed how the support of his team made the process easier, though directing a film is still a different challenge compared to his more recent works for the international streamer. “Iba pa rin ang pelikula, iba ang language, the storytelling is different when it’s a film.”
After losing her Filipino mother in South Korea, five-year-old Mujigae (a Korean term for “rainbow”), a half-Korean, half-Filipino kid, ends up in the care of her estranged Aunt Sunny (played by Alexa Ilacad) in the Philippines. Ryrie Sophia portrays the titular role with Korean actor Kim Ji-soo cast as Mujigae’s father.
Also part of the cast are Rufa Mae Quinto, Lito Pimentel, Donna Cariaga, Kate Alejandrino, Cai Cortez, Peewee O’Hara, Lui Manansala, Rolando Inocencio and Scarlet Alaba.
For direk Randolph a major highlight of “Mujigae” is the performance of its lead kiddie actress Ryrie whom direk Randolph praises as a rising star in the industry. “She’s a gem. She’s the next Judy Ann Santos, I’m telling you. If there’s an award-giving body, this kid will win. Itataya ko buhay ko diyan,” he boldly said.
‘Mujigae’ stars (from left) Ryrie Sophia, Alexa Ilacad and Kim Ji-soo during the intimate presscon for the film, which is showing in theaters nationwide on Oct. 9.
He shared how he found this future star through a casting call and how her instinctual understanding of the role stood out. “Ang gusto ko sa kanya, nakikiramdam siya.” Randolph said that Ryrie did something in one scene with co-star Alexa Ilacad that really made the latter cry for real.
Alexa, on the other hand, impressed the director for her dedication to her role. “She’s a surprise because, to be honest, I thought I knew her at first. I thought this girl was calculated, but she’s not. What I like about her is that she really takes ownership of her character. She was very eager, always asking, ‘Direk, how are we going to make this better?’ This girl is very hungry for growth, and to be fair, you’ll see her shine in this film — she’s a surprise.”
Ryrie as the titular character in a classroom scene from the film.
Aside from Alexa, “Mujigae” also features South Korean actor Kim Ji-soo, whose collaborative approach also brought a different layer of depth to the film. Direk Randolph shared how Ji-soo’s insights into Korean culture somehow helped shape the project.
“Ang gusto ko sa kanya, even before pa siya sumalang sa script reading, he already knows what he wants. At the same time, he’s very collaborative.”
“I lacked insight about Korea, and he provided me with that. Parang he challenged the character, tapos sabi niya, ‘Direk, if I am going to be part of this film, I’ll make sure na maganda yung pelikula. And the film is beautiful. That’s why I’m here.’”
Director Randolph Longjas gives instructions on set to Alexa.
Ji-soo’s commitment to the film even extended to offering additional shooting days at no extra cost. “Sabi niya, ‘Direk, dagdagan mo, no charge,’” Randolph recalled. “He really believed in the film.”
At its core, “Mujigae” hopes to shine a spotlight on mixed-race Filipinos, particularly those of Korean and Filipino descent. “Ang dami nating mixed, di ba?… So sabi ko, oo nga, wala pa tayong representation ng film about it,” direk Randolph explained.
Part of the inspiration for the film came from Kim Ji-soo, who wanted to raise positive awareness about half-Koreans and half-Filipinos, also called KoPinoys.
“Actually, it was Kim Ji-soo who raised the issue na maraming half-Koreans dito at half-Filipinos na pinapabayaan. He wanted to counter that and show a different message,” Randolph said.
Photos courtesy of Unitel Straight Shooters
“Mujigae” was also shot on location in Korea during the last week of August to cover the opening scene, which becomes the jump-off point of the story.
But more than just cultural representation, Randolph said that the movie’s central themes are anchored on how “a child’s love heals broken bonds.”
“Pinakita sa pelikula na gagawin mo ang lahat para sa bata, kahit mag-mend kayo ng broken relationships with family or friends,” he said.
“Mujigae” is the comeback film of Unitel Straight Shooters (UXS). Formerly known as Unitel Pictures, UXS is the same entertainment company that produced “Crying Ladies,” “Santa Santita,” “Ang Babae sa Septic Tank,” among others.
“Mujigae” opens on Oct. 9 in theaters nationwide.
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