MANILA, Philippines — After a successful big-screen comeback in the record-breaking movie “Rewind” at the 2024 Metro Manila Film Festival, actress Marian Rivera is set to star in “Balota,” her first-ever Cinemalaya film scheduled to premiere in August.
“Balota” is written and directed by Kip Oebanda, the filmmaker behind “Liway” and “Bar Boys.” In the film, Rivera stars as Emmy, a teacher who is tasked as a poll watcher in her local precinct election. The plot revolves around a land-grabbing tycoon and a charismatic former actor who are fierce rivals for the position of mayor in a small town. When violence erupts in their community, Emmy finds herself fleeing into the wilderness with a ballot box and the final election results.
Joining Rivera in the cast are Will Ashley, Royce Cabrera, Raheel Bhyria, Esnyr, Sassa Gurl, Donna Cariaga, Sue Prado, Joel Saracho, Gardo Versoza, and Mae Paner.
During the press conference of Cinemalaya, Rivera expressed her fulfillment in her profession returning after filming “Balota.” “I can’t explain how I feel after finishing ‘Balota’. I often say to my husband, you know how long I’ve been in showbiz, but my sense of fulfillment in myself has returned in doing my work,” she said.
Rivera also mentioned during the press conference that while it was challenging to go to such lengths to ensure her authentic portrayal in the independent film, she hoped it would effectively convey the importance of every individual’s vote.
“That’s one of the reasons why I did ‘Balota’, the message is so beautiful. In every project you do, there should be a message to convey to the audience,” she said.
“This time, if they watch ‘Balota’, I hope they think about why voting is important. I’m excited about the message it will deliver,” she added.
During filming, Rivera sustained cuts and bruises.
“In the role I played, it was very difficult. But even more difficult is the life they dedicate to protecting the people’s votes. They’re not paid much, yet they’re willing to protect their jobs and the public, even at the cost of their lives. But for the people’s votes, they are willing to ensure its safety for the public,” she said.
According to a report by the Commission on Elections (Comelec), during the 2023 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections, 19 individuals lost their lives due to election-related violence in the Philippines. Teachers often find themselves dealing with such violence as they are commonly tasked with overseeing events at schools nationwide. More than 2,500 educators reportedly declined to observe the barangay elections in 2023, citing threats, intimidation, and shootings as reasons.
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