SHOWBIZ BEAT MEDIA

Mamasapano generated a lot of buzz back when it was still in the process of being considered for MMFF 2022’s Final 8, not just because it was 2 years in the making, but because SAF itself filed a case, which was dismissed right away by the prosecutor’s office, against the producer and some of the actors involved because of alleged improper use of uniform.

Finally, the film premiered last December 15 at SM Megamall. Many of the main cast members were noticeably absent, but at least the two lead actors, Paolo Gumabao and Aljur Abrenica, were there.

Seeing people again face-to-face and communicating with them makes Ritz Azul happy. Claudine Barretto is excited for her role as Erica Pabalinas even though it’s just a cameo appearance, and called on people to support the film. “I hope na mapanood ng mga tao. It’s something na hindi natin dapat balewalain,” said Aljur Abrenica, who plays Lt. Franco, one of the two main roles. Regarding to playing his role, he explained that taking on any of the caharacters has its own unique challenge. He thinks this movie can help so such a tragedy will not happen again. He is confident that this Mamasapano film can provide value to the youth and to the next generation.

Polo Ravales, who’s there to support some friends who’re part of the film, is really glad that everything is going back to normal. “The much long-awaited opportunity for the many many questions of our kababayan, the Filipinos, to be answered,” said Rey PJ Abellana, who plays a crucial role in the film. After having watched it, he referred to it as “quite convincing and very interesting”. Mamasapano, for him, fleshed out the details so that the public’s queries can really be addressed regarding what really happened during the operation, like why it happened, how it happened, who are the involved parties that need to take on the blame, etc.

Atty. Ferdinand Topacio, who produced the movie under his outfit Borracho Films, was also the host for the main part of the short red carpet programme prior to entering the cinema. Edu Manzano, who plays Gen. Benjamin Magalong, was not able to make it so there’s just a standee of him onstage, but Paolo Gumabao (Supt. Raymond Train) was there and even mingled with some of the fans who recognized him from the Kapamilya TV show Darna, as well as other actors portraying supporting roles such as Jojo Abellana, Elmo Alarmo, Kuya Manzano, and Allan Sancon.

The film was directed by Lester Dimaranan and written by Eric Ramos. Ramos remarked that the script he did for Mamasapano was the hardest, since he “can’t invent” and had to do research for the film.

Only the characters of Ritz Azul and Myrtle Sarrosa are fictional who portrayed reporters from two rival networks. Mamasapano is described as action, a war film, and a procedural. It’s uniqueness as an MMFF 2022 film entry lies in it being also an ode to the fallen.

*Cover Photo/Thumbnail Photo from Showbiz Beat Media