Kapamilya actor Gerald Anderson’s entry ‘AWOL’ in Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino paid tribute to military and soldiers in the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) directed by Enzo Williams.
During the blog conference of AWOL yesterday, Direk Enzo and Gerald shared hisbgratitude for those who appreciated and gave good reviews to their indie-action film.
According to reviews and comments, the film is relatable and entertaining. But what made the actor speechless is he’s being tagged as the Liam Neeson of the Philippines, whom incidentally, Gerald idolize
“Sobrang thankful lang ako sa mga nakanuod na at kinukwento nila kung gaano kaganda at kaentertaining, sabi nga ni direk tribute namin to sa mga sundalo na hanggang ngayon lumalaban pa rin sa Marawi sana maligtas lahat at makauwi sila ng safe,” he said.
Last Saturday, a special screening with the soldiers was held and Gerald shared that he is happy to see their reactions towards the film.
“Nakakataba ng puso kasi siyempre bilang artista, bilang lead na gumaganap ako nakakakaba para sakin dahil iniisip ko sana magustuhan nila, sana tama yung ginagawa ko. Ang unang sinabi nila after nung movie is I make them proud so ang laking bagay nun para sakin,” Gerald explained.
He continued saying, “those simple joys lang e I’m just an actor, there’s so much I can do pagdating sa mga ganon but I also have the opportunity to give them enjoyment.”
Direk Enzo continued by saying,
“Natuwa nga yung mga sundalo sa screening nakakatuwa kasi they can all relate sa mga nangyayari kay Gerald dun sa character.”
“Actually that’s a real scenario na nangyayari talaga every year up until now. You know it’s not easy, yun yung mahirap sa ginagawa ng mga sundalo. That’s why a lot of people can relate, what if pepersonalin ka na ng kalaban mo? What can you do? This film is for people to appreciate our soldiers,” Enzo added.
Direk Enzo also narrated that the story was conceptualized through an idea from CineBro. He then made friends with the AFP and talked about it. The AFP liked the concept and the story of the film.
“From there dun na nagsimula ung realistic scenarios kung ano yung mga pwedeng mangyari, kung anong pwedeng pagdaanan ng character ni Gerald. Ganon siya kaaccurate yung inputs not just creative but talagang AFP,” he elaborated.
The 28-year-old actor admitted that it was his dream since he was a kid because he belongs to a military family.
“Siyempre nung bata pa ako yun yung mga movies na pinapanuod ko diba, sabi ko nga malapit sa puso ko yung military and to do something like that, para mabigyan ng ganung opportunity, ang saya, diba yun yung gusto kong gawin,” he explained.
“Not just yung barilan or action scenes, ang ganda kasi ng storyline and very relatable kahit hindi ka sundalo, you can see ano ung mga pinagdadaanan nila sa totoong buhay. Sabi ko nga I hate wars pero I love the warriors, yung warrior ang gusto kong ipromote lahat ng sacrifices na ginagawa nila para sating lahat dito,” he pointed out.
Gerald Anderson has truly found the new genre where he can explore and exploit since he is good at it. But Direk Enzo said that it was the genre who found Gerald.
The two were also looking forward to tje sequel of AWOL. They even shared having lots of ideas after the screening of the film which excite them even more.
They are also praying that AWOL will be more successful so people will think that action genre is back.
The film was shot at the actual base of AFP where Gerald trained with real soldiers and handled real guns and bullets.
“Di siya madali, pero araw araw kasi nandun sina Captain James e, yung mga military araw araw naming kasama sa shoot so malaking bagay un,” Gerald said.
Direk shared that Gerald’s trainers told him that Gerald was quick learner and thar it seemed very natural to the Kapamilya actor.
When asked what’s the moral lesson in the story, Gerald said “how far will you go to protect your family.”
Meantime, you can still catch AWOL in Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino until August 22. “It’s amazing kung paano nabuo ung pelikula which makes me even proud to be part of this film which sends a good message sa mga tao, so please watch it,” Gerald ended.
