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. 

 

Shining Bright, Star Magic Artists on Movies This May

If you've been noticing, the artists from Star Magic are shining even brighter in cinemas as their movies get released this month. 

This includes Donny Pangilinan, Belle Mariano, Fyang Smith, JM Ibarra, Jane Oineza and Loisa Andallo. JMFyang for starters did good on Almost Us which I had the opportunity to watch a few days ago. It was produced by Regal Entertainment and handled by Director Dan Villegas. Jane and Loisa on the other hand did Midnight Girls which I got to see through advanced screening last week, which is a pretty good nod to the stories of OFW's and the things they sacrificed to earn for their family. Donny and Belle's last project together (sans announcement) is "Tayo sa Wakas" which was done by Direk Cathy Garcia Sampana. It will be shown on the 27th and I'm looking forward to see it too. 

This is quality we can only expect from Star Magic. Make sure you support your artists because it matters, more projects for them all, hopefully! 

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!