AT A GLANCE
Ate Vi, as she is fondly called, did not intend to finish another entry for the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF). She had different thoughts when she accepted the movie "Uninvited."
Star For All Seasons Vilma Santos-Recto couldn't contain her excitement as she embarked on a long-awaited dream project.
After years of hard work and dedication in the entertainment industry, she is finally able to bring her creative vision to life.
This project holds a special place in her heart, and she can't wait to share it with her fans and the world.
At the recent grand launch of the upcoming movie "Uninvited" at Solaire North, Vilma stated that director Dan Villegas and Mentorque Productions helped her fulfill her dream project.
"Dream project ko ang 'Uninvited.' Matagal ko ng gustong gumawa ng pelikula na nangyari lang in 24 hours. Mag-uumpisa siyang maganda at matatapos siyang dilapidated na s'ya. Yun ang gusto ko.
"Hindi ko alam yung gitna. Paano mangyayari yun? Sila direk ang naglagay ng storya sa gitna hanggang sa nabuo yung Uninvited," she said.
Ate Vi, as she is fondly called, did not intend to finish another entry for the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF). She had different thoughts when she accepted the movie "Uninvited."
"At this point of my career, mahirap na akong makahanap ng role na babagay sa edad ko at yung role that will challenge me.
"In more than 62 years in the industry, ang pakiramdam ko ay ang dami ko ng nagawang iba't ibang klaseng character. Yung iba paulit ulit na.
"Kung may gagawin man akong pelikula, I will make sure I will do a movie that will challenge me. Sa Uninvited, na-challenge ang role ko.
"I'm not thinking about winning another best actress. Ang gusto ko lang ay makagawa kami ng isang magandang pelikula na pwede naming ipagmalaki. Yun ang nasa isip namin," Vilma said.
Last year, Vilma won Best Actress for the MMFF entry "When I Met You In Tokyo." Then, she won again at the Manila International Film Festival Awards Night in the US.
"When we conceptualized the movie, wala itong plano na isali sa MMFF. Ang usapan lang talaga is to make a good film that we can be proud of.
"Pero sinuwerte naman at nakapasok sa MMFF. Nagkataon lang na magkasunod sa MMFF," Vilma said.
Aga Muhlach admitted he enjoyed working on the set of the movie.
"Hindi siya mahirap gawin kung ang mga kasama mo ay magagaling. It was an experience because I was having fun on the set.
"It was the first time I worked with Director Dan Villegas. Very open siya kung ano ang gusto naming gawin.
"I've worked with Vilma (Santos) twice. Mabibigat yung ginawa naming pelikula. First time ko naman nakasama si Nadine (Lustre) rito.
"Wala kaming mga warm-up. Basta nagkita kami sa set then nagshoot kami at mabigat kaagad yung eksena namin. Pero nag-enjoy kami. Masaya," said Aga.
Award-winning actress Nadine Lustre expressed her excitement about the incredible opportunity to work alongside acclaimed actors Vilma and Aga.
She highlighted how collaborating with such esteemed figures in the industry was a dream come true, which ultimately influenced her decision to accept the project.
Nadine emphasized the value of learning from their experiences and contributions to the film industry, making this project particularly special for her.
She confessed that she felt nervous on the first day of shooting for "Uninvited."
"This is an opportunity of a lifetime. Kelan ko ba uli makakatrabaho sila? Agad-agad tinanggap ko siya. On the first day, dumating ako sa set na kabado kasi nga bigatin ang mga kasamo ko but then everyone was welcoming, everyone was nice so mawawala na rin yung kaba mo," Nadine also said.
Nadine also highlighted the thoughtful steps she took to prepare for the role, showcasing her dedication and talent.
"Ever since, inaaral ko talaga yung script. I try put myself in the shoes of my character pero yung mga intense scenes naman namin, mahaba-habang rehearsals din especially yung mga shots na hindi puwedeng paulit ulit.
"Inaaral ko talaga ang role ko. Mahilig kasi talaga akong mag-imagine. So kahit hindi ko napag-daanan or na-experience ang isang bagay, parang nararamdaman ko rin siya," Nadine said.
Director Dan shared that the project went really well, and he couldn’t have done it without the actor’s awesome cooperation. "What's important is that you work closely with your actors para nagkakaintindihan kayo."
In celebration of MMFF’s 50th anniversary, Uninvited stands as a testament to the unparalleled excellence of Filipino filmmaking.
Mentorque Productions, following the massive success of the MMFF 2023 entry Mallari, teams up with Project 8 Projects to craft a movie that guarantees a meaningful and unforgettable experience for viewers.
“We understand the challenges Filipinos face today,” shares Mentorque CEO John Bryan Diamante. “Watching a movie in theaters is a luxury, so we made sure this is worth every peso.”
