Seasoned director Jerry Sineneng feared Vivamax’s projects because of their nudity and lack of substance, but on March 15, he wanted to dispel the prevalent misconceptions.
In a candid revelation during the movie’s grand mediacon, Sineneng initially harbored reservations about Vivamax’s content, echoing common perceptions of the platform prioritizing sensationalism over storytelling. However, a shift occurred as he immersed himself in Vivamax’s diverse productions.
“To be honest noong una, may fear ako of Vivamax kasi mayroon nga siyang stigma. Pero, siyempre nanood ako ng mga pelikula, ang dami nilang magagandang pelikula sa totoo lang po,” he said.
Highlighting the platform’s merit, Sineneng referenced acclaimed filmmaker Mac Alejandre, whose work on Vivamax garnered international recognition. Alejandre’s film ‘Selina’s Gold,’ featuring notable talents Angeli Khang and Jay Manalo, clinched the Best Director award at the prestigious Wallachia International Film Festival in 2023.
“May mga awards na nga si Direk Mac na napapanalunan abroad for his Vivamax films,” stressed Sineneng.
Alejandre’s work is evidence of Vivamax’s depth beyond mere nudity. Sineneng hopes to challenge and eventually break the stigma associated with the platform.
“Sana dumating ang araw na mabura ang perception ng karamihan na ang Vivamax ay walang-katapusang hubaran lang. Hindi po, hindi po. Maraming projects ang Vivamax, maraming movies ang Vivamax na nakakap-proud din naman. Hindi siya puchu-puchu.”
In Rita, he gives his all with the intimate scenes while sticking to Ricky Lee’s story. At the same time, Direk Jerry was concerned about whether he could surpass its impact.
“Hindi ko alam kung kaya ko pa itong talbugan. I don’t know if I can top this, ‘yun talaga ang worry ko,” lamented the director.
Direk Jerry hopes to replicate the success of Peque Gallaga’s ‘Scorpio Nights’ through ‘Rita’
Reflecting on his aspirations, Sineneng desired to follow in the footsteps of the late Peque Gallaga, a revered filmmaker whose work, including ‘Scorpio Nights,’ inspired him.
“Sana makagawa ako ng isang sexy na pang-Scorpio Nights, na hindi kinakahiya ni Direk Peque. Sobrang proud siya talaga doon; lahat ng involved doon, very proud din. Sana lang, maabot ko rin sa career ko na makagawa ako ng isang super sexy na I’ll be proud of,” said the filmmaker.
In his assessment after wrapping up the movie, Direk Jerry said he is “proud of Rita.”
‘Rita’ is the first sexy film by Direk Jerry. It stars Christine Bermas, Gold Aceron, Josh Ivan Morales, and Victor Relosa. It is available for streaming via the Vivamax app on March 22.
