Back in 2016, I was all praises for this little gem from the CineFilipino Film Festival titled ‘Star na Si Van Damme Stallone.’ It starred Candy Pangilinan and Paolo Pingol as mother and her son with down syndrome. You probably already get the idea how emotional the film is.
Fast forward to 2024, the film’s director Randolph Longjas finally made a new full-length feature for the big screen.
But what was the reason for director Randolph to be away from the directing chair, at least for movies, for almost a decade?
“It took me sometime because na-insecure talaga ako nu’ng gumagawa ako ng pelikula. Parang feeling ko, kapag gumawa ka ng pelikula, kailangan responsibility mo as a filmmaker na may boses ‘yung gagawin mo. Parang hindi ka lang gawa nang gawa for the sake of it. So, for sometime, hinasa ko ‘yung skill ko sa advertising industry like ‘yung mga Kwentong Jollibee. So ngayon, ready naman na. Kaya sinubukan muli nating gumawa ng pelikula,” answers director Randolph Longjas.
“It’s been a while since I made a full-length film, and to be honest, I’m overwhelmed with emotions. This project means a lot to me,” Longjas shared.
He also expressed deep gratitude for his team, saying, “Together, we moved mountains to bring this story to life and saw the ‘mujigae’ (rainbow) at the end of it.
On creating a safe and playful set, especially for child actors, he added, “I didn’t just dictate what I wanted. I encouraged them to own their characters, and it amazed me how they stayed in character even after scenes wrapped.”
He hopes the audience will connect emotionally with the film, explaining, “I think viewers will go through a rollercoaster of emotions depending on where they stand on having kids. I’m not here to tell you when to laugh or cry, but I promise there will be moments that resonate deeply.”
The film follows the story of a vibrant five-year-old orphan named Mujigae, portrayed by rising child star Ryrie Sophia, who finds an unlikely mother figure in her estranged aunt, Sunny, played by Kapamilya actress Alexa Ilacad. It is also headlined by Korean actor Kim Ji-soo, who is now part of GMA’s Sparkle roster.
Kapuso comedienne Rufa Mae Quinto has a special participation in this latest offering from UxS (Unitel x Straightshooters). Directed by Randolph Longjas and written by Mark Raywin Tome, the film also stars Richard Quan, Kate Alejandrino, Donna Cariage, Cai Cortez, Roli Inocencio, Anna Luna, Lui Manansala, Peewee O’Hara.
‘Mujigae’ opens exclusively at SM Cinemas on October 9.