Direk Andoy Ranay has stepped back into the limelight as an actor in the film ‘Broken Hearts Trip,’ a notable entry in the upcoming Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) for 2023.
The movie stars Christian Bables in a lead role.
Despite his hectic schedule behind the camera, Ranay expressed his joy at being part of this meaningful project.
“It’s fun. It’s like coming home because I am a theater actor. Nagsimula ako bilang talent no’ng 1990s, nagta-talent ako no’n. Do’n nagsimula na, ‘Gusto ko maging direktor balang araw.’ Kasi ayaw nila akong kunan kaagad kasi talent lang naman ako. Do’n ako nagkaroon ng batas ng api moment na balang araw magiging direktor ako. Good thing because this year I went back to acting for theater,” shared Andoy.
‘Broken Hearts Trip’ stands out not only for its engaging narrative but also for its diverse cast. Ranay highlighted the unconventional selection of actors, emphasizing that the film features individuals who are not widely recognized in the mainstream.
“Hindi siya ‘yung the usual, hindi naman kami sikat. Hindi naman ako Vice Ganda. The usual na nakukuha ay ‘yung mga malalaking artist. But this time, I believe the MMDA kasi sila ‘yung namili, and ‘yung ibang mga tao, diversity rin ng mga films na kasama dahil it’s a festival. Iba’t ibang klase, iba’t ibang putahe,” he explained.
The director-actor sees the inclusion of ‘Broken Hearts Trip’ in the MMFF as a testament to the festival’s commitment to showcasing a variety of films during the Christmas season.
Ranay believes that the film’s representation of the LGBT community adds to the festival’s inclusivity. “At saka Pasko, Merong maihahandog ang Metro Manila Film Festival na for LGBT. Para nagiging inclusive naman sila, so I believe isa ‘yon na dahilan kung bakit napili,” he concluded.
