Drug War: A Conspiracy of Silence Finds Perfect Platform and Teases Episode 3

I distinctly remember seeing the first two episodes back in May when we got to talk with Ian Veneracion, a couple of the cast members and the director (who was still finding a platform at that time). To this day, they already know their goal was to spark conversations. It wasn't to tell what was right or wrong, or manufacture truth, or sway a political stand. They are now on the Rein Entertainment YouTube channel (found on https://www.youtube.com/@reinentertainment) which means folks can comment, talk, share their thoughts on the topic the limited series discussed. This time, we had the pleasure of watching episode 3, and it was amazing to say the least.  

Direk Shugo Praico says "We want to start conversations, understanding and healing when they watch this film. We are not in the business of changing minds, it's complex and could be just anyone in your own community. Our guiding truth is still there." 

Writer Jonathan Guillermo says "We used research and it started with stories that we can create characters that are fully alive. We throw them into situations and they in turn give human reactions, no villains, no heroes, fully immersed in the story. We pivot on a few plots, to make coherent and enjoyable stories, we had to tone down on some instances. Like Reb, the real story is a bit outlandish, but we made it easier to swallow. That one weird thing doesn't take away from the larger story." 

Here's the talk back session after the screening:

 

 

Harvey says "I was watching episode 2 last night, reading questions about it, I feel his perspective was his emotions of having no choice, he death with his cards, he did not have support, went to hiding and even the system designed to protect him is not there. It is happening to people, you could picture how much we would pity him. The only thing in my head was finding out the truth from my father. I witnessed it, the aftermath. Before I got the episode script, you have to believe that he still had hope, even if it may not happen, you will see it in future episodes." 

"Lydia is a role, no matter how small, people will see themselves in you. She represents mothers, people who care for their children, and in episode 3 you can see how characters still fought for their lives. Some of them know they are wrong, but they still did it. Ian's role also stood for truth, and not when it is too late for them to speak." 

Miggy Jimenez says "I couldn't just sit here and say I like peanut butter, but after that, umay na! The final output portrayed a kid who didn't have anybody with him, no comfort, who just asked friends for help. I didn't have a background for Reb, but we had to study withdrawals, it's tiring, dirty and fun. I like the process and I wanted to fight for it too, but I'm scared too."

You need to watch Episode 3, and make sure to form your own opinion after seeing the scenes based on true stories, actual people who lived to tell the tale. It's on YouTube and comes out on Thursdays. This is produced by Rein Entertainment. 

 

Immersive, Revealing and Brilliant Storytelling: “Drug War: A Conspiracy of Silence"

If there's a certain time to tell a story, it is NOW.  When we got to see an episode of “Drug War: A Conspiracy of Silence" a few days ago, I really felt uneasy. Fact of the matter is, their story based on real life. When I saw the numbers they put in on the scenes of folks who perished during those times, they weren't simply putting in statistics, but real lives, it could be someone's son, father, brother, uncle, friend, and the manner they got eliminated was certainly a crime against humanity no doubt, but Mr. Ian Veneracion dubbed this as non political, I tried so hard to see it that way, but I get where he is coming from.

In a way, this six part series main objective is to spark conversation. I guess they wouldn't be able to serve it's purpose if it is just going to take sides in this highly pointed topic. 

Director and creator Shugo Praico says "We did this because when we were conceptualizing the story, we felt the characters and those they represent should be heard globally. This is a critical period in our time, it needs to be seen. We believe in Filipino talent, and how we tell stories. This is an opportunity to introduce our actors, in a bigger setting. There will be an announcement soon, and we hope you see what's good in this series (they're still looking for an apt platform), but we need to hear your thoughts on the material. I think the story, the root of this film, it's very Filipino. What we want people to feel is the urge to have a conversation, it's where one can understand, to heighten the thought process, to become better people."

Ian says "When I read the script, I felt I really had to be part of this, in particular as this involves our people, history and our humanity. As an actor, my job is to go through that life and make memories out of it. I hope a lot of people see it especially those outside the country. It raises a lot of questions , and I hope this triggers better policies."

Jane added "My character had to fight for something, and that's what I needed to do in orde to prepare with the role." 

Ms. Yayo says "We needed to ask a lot of questions to find out who we are, it's more of mental preparation. Director Shugo is different, they let you work freely and trust you to interpret it well according to the treatment you want to do. He appreciates that, sees our efforts but doesn't just leave us do things without reason."

Here's more of the talk back session after the screening: 

Although not there during the screening, Harvey Bautista by the way is also in this series and he did a super good job playing the role of one of the victims. HE WAS AMAZING to say the least and should be one of the performances you would want to look forward to.

We also asked about our villains/character actors because I've always felt they're not just doing things mechanically... Ryan Eignemann and Joem Bascon mentioned how it comes with experience to be able to do that. True enough, they're doing their characters with emotional depth (which you'll see in future episodes too).

This was made like a movie from any standard, but I heard how they preferred to tell the story in a series format because they wanted the needed elements included. The story was just too good to tell and cut off, so they'd rather show everything instead. It's also immersive, meaning much of the exhaustion, running, walking will be felt by the viewer. It was made with that in mind so make sure you get to watch it once they decide on the platform soon!

Ian Veneracion Goes International with ONE GOOD DAY on Amazon Prime Video

Last night we went to Seda Vertis North for the press conference of One Good Day, a film by Studio Three Sixty to be shown on the Amazon Prime Video platform. This is directed by Lester Pimentel Ong who did Panday, Lastikman, Imortal, La Luna Sangre, Bagani among others. He says "This has been something I have been fortunate to do with Ian Veneracion as he's not just a good looking man, but a martial artist and a real athlete."

 

As mentioned, this is Ian Veneracion's foray to something that will be internationally released. The film is going to be released in 10 countries (maybe even more later on). As this is acquired already by the Prime Video platform it would be accessible to the market they intended this to be shown to. Direk Lester mentioned that there's millions of audiences waiting for a glimpse of what Filipino action films are. There's certainly a lack of it, but if there's someone who would be nice to see out there, Ian Veneracion would be a sight for sore eyes. For those who don't know, he's done a lot of action films in the late 90's and 2000's. He's not new to the genre, and he didn't stay away from doing physical training for it because it's part of his lifestyle to shoot, do martial arts and spar every once in a while. He was excited to do this when news came about this project. Here's part of the interview we had with him last night.

The talk also delved on the latest brouhaha about banning KDrama in the country, here's what he said about the issue.

Ian Veneracion is also celebrating his 40th year in the industry, proof that vampires exist!

 

Other artists that will also be part of this movie include Rabiya Mateo, Andrea Torres, Aljur Abrenica, Kyzer Catillo, Justin Cuyugan, Nicole Cordoves, Pepe Herrera, Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo and others. This will be shown November 17, 2022 and will be in 6 parts on Thursdays thereafter. These are certainly exciting times for Filipinos to showcase how we do it in our part of the globe. Ian also says "I hope this just opens opportunities not just for me, but the talented Filipino actors that we have in the country." and by the looks of it, it's quite possible to happen soon.