Despite the hardships and limitations currently being faced by the local producers and actors in terms of creating films, Star Magic artists John Arcilla and Andrea Brillantes continue to tread on and showcase their artistry. This time, these two bankable stars are out to shine in award-winning director Erik Matti’s latest opus “On The Job: The Missing 8.”
The crime thriller which will have its world premiere in no less than the 2021 Venice International Film Festival today, September 10, centers on the crime syndicates that temporarily release prison inmates to carry out assassinations for the benefit of powerful clients.
Deemed as one of the most prestigious tilts, the Italian film festival, is the world’s oldest-running competition for cinema. The much-awaited sequel of the 2013 critically-acclaimed film is the only Philippine entry to compete alongside 20 of some of the world cinema’s heavyweights.
John plays the role of Sisoy, a crusading and idealistic small town radio journalist caught in the web of crime and political intrigue. For the seasoned actor who has headlined the equally-successful film “Heneral Luna” and “Halaw” and who is no stranger to international film festivals, there remains more to be proud of in the series’ maiden feat.
“Yes, as an actor it is such a pride to be part of a project that will represent our country to the world’s oldest and most prestigious International film festival,” John said, who sadly wasn’t able to physically attend the festival due to prior commitments and tapings.
In the Star Magic hosted press junket for the series, John recalled how he was equal parts in awe and awakened by the project and its stark message.
“I think it is one of the bravest, most powerful and best Filipino films produced and mounted this year. That this film is not an advocacy project, I hope it opens the eyes of a lot of world citizens about the realities most societies are collectively experiencing from” he said.
Stressing that the series speaks volumes of the plight of countries, not just the Philippines, John pointed out, “World citizens should talk and do something about it. There are a lot of Sisoys in this world, only with different names.”
Andrea, who plays the role of Diane, daughter of Sisoy, for her part, was more than happy to be part of the project that has allowed her to really flex her acting muscles.
“We took a long while to shoot this project and every shooting day may natututunan po akong bago sa mga veteran stars na nakasama ko. Parati po nila akong gina-guide at dahil po doon mas china-challenge ko rin ang sarili ko na mag-level up pa sa bawat eksena,” she said.
But more importantly, Andrea is beaming with pride that Filipinos are able to create projects that take on the international scene.
“Hindi po laging may ganitong opportunity kaya sobrang thankful po ako na kasama ako sa series na ito. And to have the chance to reach a wider audience, yan po sana ang gusto natin, ang mas makilala ang galing ng mga Pinoy as world class creators. Sana po mag-tuloy tuloy pa ang pagkilala sa atin,” she said.
Catch John and Andrea’s father-and-daughter role in “On The Job: The Missing 8” as their principles, loyalties, and intentions are tested while they wade their way out into a web of deception and crime.
Following “On The Job: The Missing 8’s” world premiere, the Filipino-created series will be released on HBO Go with the first three episodes available to stream and download starting September 12, Sunday. New episodes will be premiering every subsequent Saturday.