January 3, 2025 | 12:00am
Aicelle Santos, the lead actress in the 2024 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) fourth Best Picture “Isang Himala,” hoped that the musical film would touch the lives of the moviegoers after they watched it.
In an exclusive interview with The STAR, prior to MMFF’s Gabi ng Parangal, Aicelle said that she was “more of excited than pressured” knowing that there are big names who are part of the film festival’s 50th edition.
“Sabi ko nga I have full faith in the material and in the actors and sa director, sa lahat, (and) all the elements that came together para gawin itong ‘Isang Himala,’” she told this paper.
“And that we have a story to tell, that we want to touch lives, that’s the takeaway from the film. That’s what I want to focus on and not on the pressure of… because talaga namang madami and I’m sure ang ganda din ng dala-dalang kwento ng bawat isa. And it would be nice kung maraming extra pera, mapanood nating lahat. Gawin niyo na lang pong pang una or pangalawa yung ‘Isang Himala,’” she added, asking for more support for the movie.
‘Isang Himala’ is the musical film adaptation of the iconic 1982 movie, starring Nora Aunor, and 2003 musical where Aicelle also played the iconic role of Elsa
On how her background in theater helped her in essaying the role of Elsa, Aicelle shared that she got to discover new acting styles.
“It’s really different, especially that part where you have to perform a single scene maybe three or five times for different camera angles,” she pointed out. “So sustaining your emotions and delivering powerful songs again and again and again — that was the challenge. But as an actor, you get to learn a lot.”
CREAZION STUDIOS FACEBOOK PAGE.
“You learned new things. May pamamaraan ka na dati hindi mo ginagawa na pwede ko pang gawin and thanks to ‘Isang Himala,’ (I was) able to discover it,” she added.
In terms of preparations, Aicelle said that she is more of the collaborative type of artist.
“Maybe I’m the type who wants to read the script and talk to the director and co-actors first before entering the set — whether it’s a stage play or this film. Because I don’t want to copy or think that I need to make this different. So ito yung gagawin kong interpretation as a performer. Sa teatro din, eh. Sa teatro ko to naumpisahan ‘cause my first musical was also a restaging.”
Meanwhile, film director Pepe Diokno believes that the MMFF “is not really a competition” rather, “it’s sharing stories and films.” He is thrilled to be part of this year’s event and urged more people to watch all the entries.
Last week, direk Pepe called for more support for the film due to its limited screenings in cinemas nationwide. “Just got the heartbreaking news that ‘Isang Himala’ is down to nine cinemas… pero madadagdagan tayo ng Powerplant bukas! Please watch the film before it’s too late, and please request the film from your nearest cinema if it’s not yet showing in your area,” he posted on his Facebook page.
As of Jan. 2, “Isang Himala” is slowly gaining screens with 19 cinemas nationwide, according to a post by producer CreaZion Studios.
These are Ayala Malls Manila Bay, Cinema 76, Gateway, Glorietta, Powerplant Makati, Robinsons Galleria, Robinsons Magnolia, Robinsons Manila, SM East Ortigas, SM Mall of Asia, SM Southmall and Vista Mall Las Pinas for Metro Manila. In Luzon, the film is screening in Ayala Legazpi, Robinsons Antipolo, Vista Mall Bataan and Vista Mall General Trias. In Visayas and Mindanao, audiences can watch it at Ayala Central Bloc, Gmall of Davao and Vista Mall Iloilo.
One of the co-producers, Madonna Tarrayo of UXS, said, “They added a few cinemas, and more people are watching. We are overwhelmed and extremely grateful for the support of the industry.”
Apart from receiving the fourth Best Picture award at the just-concluded MMFF awards night, “Isang Himala” also earned the Special Jury Prize, Best Actress in a Supporting Role for Kakki Teodoro, Best Original Theme Song for Juan Karlos (Ang Himala ay Nasa Puso) and Best Musical Score for Vincent de Jesus.
“Isang Himala” is an adaptation of the iconic 1982 film, starring Nora Aunor, and 2003 musical where Aicelle also played the iconic role of Elsa.
The musical film “Isang Himala” is written by National Artist Ricky Lee, who is also the writer of the original masterpiece. It is presented by CreaZion Studios in partnership with Unitel, Straightshooters, Kapitol Films, and CMB Production.
Be the first to comment