“We have found our Doris.” That’s what producer Shandii Bacolod told us at the meet and greet of the historical movie ‘Culion.’ His biggest project to date after producing the controversial Metro Manila Film Festival 2016 movie ‘Oro,’ Joseph Abello’s directorial debut film ‘What Home Feels Like’ and Abello’s second movie ‘Double Twisting Double Back’ which earned Joem Bascon’s a Best Supporting Actor award at the Famas Awards 2019.
Now, the three main leads for ‘Culion’ are finally complete. They’ve finally found their Doris.
Jasmine Curtis Smith is Doris. (Right) Jasmine Curtis Smith with Mike Liwag.
It was her sister Anne Curtis’ name that was attached to the project since it was launched months ago. But to Jasmine’s surprise, Jasmine did not believe Shandii at first when it was offered to her.
“Seryoso ka ba, Shandii? Ako ba talaga gusto mo diyan? Kasi ako, game na game na ako, I’m all in. And, ‘yun, from there, hindi na kami natapos. Everyday for one week, magkausap kami with my representative. And the, kagabi (June 14, 2019) lang ata nabigyan ng final confirmation. And even this morning, may takot ako na baka may struggles kasi ang dami ding tanong ng kabila (other movie she’s working on) for details, so sabi ko, wait lang, confirm ko lang din. But no question, gusto ko talaga gawin ‘yung pelikula.”
When asked what was Anne Curtis’ reaction that Jasmine is doing Doris in ‘Culion’:
“Wala naman siyang fear (of Jasmine going to Culion) kasi even she wants to do the film. I think she’s more excited na magawa ko siya. Like I was saying, kanina lang nakausap ko in a phone call si ate (Anne) and iba pa ‘yung pinag-uusapan namin doon, sabi ko lang sa kanya, ‘by the way andito ako sa look test and storycon ng Culion.’ And sabi niya ‘Oh my gosh! I;m so happy for you! Buti na lang natuloy na nga, ikaw na nga. At least sa’yo napunta and I know you can do it, so I’m very happy for you. Pero sabi niya hinabol niya talaga ang film na ‘to. But because she has Vice, the MMFF movie, hindi naman kaya na dalawa.”
So, the two will be competing at this year’s Metro Manila Film Festival if their movies are both included?
“Fight! Well, fingers crossed. But that would be fun and interesting.”
“Si Doris, she is 25, masunurin siya kumpara kay Ditas and Anna, pero sa sobrang naive niyang babae, medyo may pagka-taklesa sa linyahan pero she’s naive eh, hindi niya alam. Mare-realize niya na lang and say ‘I’m sorry, may masama ba sa sinasabi ko?’ And at the same time, sa sobra niyang naive, okay lang sa kanya na magpa-sakop sa Amerika, okay lang sa kanya manamit na parang hindi taga-Pilipinas. Mas gusto niya pa na magka-nobyo na Amerikano kasi ‘yung humahabol sa kanya ayaw niya pansinin, pero ‘yung Amerikano na mas malala pa ‘yung kundisyon kumpara sa humahabol sa kanya, mas gugustuhin niya makasama,” Jasmine shares the description of her character.
‘Culion’ is written by Ricky Lee and directed by Alvin Yapan from Team MSB of Shandii Bacolod and iOptions Ventures Corp. Also starring Iza Calzado, Merylll Soriano, Joem Bascon, Mike Liwag and more.
The film is submitted to the Metro Manila Film Festival 2019.
Watch our full interview of Jasmine Curtis-Smith at the ‘Culion’ storycon and meet and greet: