Filmmaker Mac Alejandre on Wednesday, January 19, was certain that the movie Silip sa Apoy is different from other erotic films of Vivamax.
The first reason is that Ricky Lee wrote it.
“Material siya ni Ricky Lee. Malaking bagay ‘yon kasi kilala natin naman ang kalibre ng mga sinusulat na materyal ni Ricky,” he pointed during the film’s virtual media conference.
The film also has a powerful cast, making the movie distinct.
“Ang ikalawang pagkakaiba is ang cast niya. I think it’s very powerful combination. Mahusay ang mga artista dito,” the director noted.
He then lauded the cast members Sid Lucero and Paolo Gumabao. Silip sa Apoy had him know the name of Angeli Khang as well.
“Mahusay si Sid Lucero, alam naman nating very promising ang husay ni Paolo Gumabao pero ang surprising sa akin, kasi before this movie hindi ko naman kilala si Angeli Khang eh. Si Angeli was highly recommended by Boss Vic del Rosario.”
Alejandre was also surprised with young artist Jela Cuenca, adding: “Surprising din sa akin si Jela. Hindi ko kilala si Jela eh pero she’s of a different mold.”
The director then shared his observation of how Filipinos like their movies. He said it all comes down to the current situation as the viewer’s taste never changed.
“Basically, pareho. I mean ang audience will go with what affects them, with what resonates with them, with what impacts them emotionally, kung ano ang mas magta-touch sa kanila.
“Ang magde-define niyan ay yung era o time kung ano ang nangyayari sa paligid nila, yun ang magdi-dictate noon. Pero what will attract them to that, is what will resonate with them, basically una emotionally. Ikalawa, kung ano ang fad o taste at that time.
“‘Pag sinabi kong pareho, I mean, ang audience laging nagre-react kung ano ang fad, or kung ano ang mga inaasahan nilang magiging fad or in style, or kung ano yung malapit mauso.
“Pre-disposed sila para kiligin, pre-disposed sila para umiyak, pre-disposed sila para ma-inlove, at tsaka open sila at pre-dispose sila para tumawa.”
The only difference, according to him, is that other genres are not thriving during this pandemic.
“Ang p’wede kong sabihing pagkakaiba is dahil sa pagkakaiba ng ekonomiya, eh maraming mga genre ang hindi na nagagawa ngayon. Kasi mas magastos lalo na ngayong pandemya,” he pointed.
Silip sa Apoy is about a battered housewife who, despite being physically abused by her partner, plays with fire by falling in love with her neighbor.
The movie will be streamed on Vivamax beginning January 28.