FANEY: A Fitting Tribute for the Superstar and Adoring Fans of NORA AUNOR

 

Sitting with a throng of screaming Noranians inside a full cinema was certainly not what I expected to see in the screening of FANEY (The Fan) at the Gateway Cineplex just this evening. This is a film by Director Adolf Alix Jr., made as a tribute to the one and only superstar Ms. Nora Aunor who passed a few weeks ago.

This is the handy work of producers RS Francisco, Frontrow International, Intele Builders, Noble Wolf and AQ Films. It is written for cinema by the Director himself, and quite hard to do since it's election season and the energy is pretty down because of our loss, she's a national artist of course!

They coincided the screening with the superstars birthday, which is today May 21st. Editors surely had sleepless nights just to make sure it got shown on this date. Laurice Guillen is good at her craft, uttering iconic lines of Nora Aunor, she made it felt how it is to be a loyal fan. Doing it on screen was no easy job, but she took us along for the ride.

She was flanked by Direk Gina Alajar (who played her daughter) and Kapuso Actress Althea Ablan (as her grandchild) in the film. Direk Gina's character was more of a protective one, who didn't understand how becoming a fan of Nora Aunor meant you would need to have lots of sacrifices including your own family. 

If you are a fan of the Superstar, you'll really have to pay attention to the references of this film because a lot of it will be based on Nora Aunor's movies.  You'll get moments to ask yourself if what you are watching is real, or a line from another project of hers. It's like every scene would become a test if you know this movie they are referring to or not. Add to that their family dynamics, how they unleashed their anger because they couldn't believe her passion, her loyalty to her idol, and how it has affected their families too. It also showcases the bond, the reasons on how a Noranian is built different and why they remain and adore her to this day.

 This film also has gems, like Bembol Roco who brought Nora centric romance in the movie. There's also Roderick Paulate who did several scenes that would rival his fun movies in the 80's, Ms. Perla Bautista who at 85 still felt sharp with her character. You will also get to feel the rivalry between Ms. Nora and Vilma Santos, as there will be bouts of it in the movie. Althea Ablan on the other hand did good as she represents a generation who understands why Noranians are still Noranians. Bring lots of tissues if you are a fan, because this is all about Ms. Nora Aunor and YOU as a fan. The real stories they shared are all incredible, and told by the people themselves, front and center.

It's a well made piece, stay for the ending because you'll feel the nostalgia that her life brings. It is a proper tribute for the Superstar, the National Artist we all adore and love.