Brillante Mendoza of 'Moro' on making movies the way he does: 'This is my purpose'

From left: Piolo Pascual, Laurice Guillen, Brillante Mendoza and Baron Geisler

The multi-awarded director Brillante Mendoza was more serious than usual in giving his closing remarks recently at the press conference tendered at VS Hotel Cinema inside Victoria Sports Tower, right after the private screening of his movie "Moro" due on Netflix (PH and Asia Pacific) by July 19.

Addressing questions on when he would stop doing movies that are socially relevant but often only fare mildly at the box-office, Brillante said: "Ang hirap sagutin."

He pointed out that since he produces his own movies, he makes projects that he truly believes in because the effort and output will always be the "priceless" reward itself, its own validation.

"Kilala ako sa ibang bansa pero di ako kilala dito," said he who is sometimes mistaken for another prized Pinoy director, Lav Diaz. "Kilala pangalan ko pero di kilala mukha ko (dito)..."

"Bakit ko nga ba ako gumagawa ng ganito (na klase ng pelikula)? Pag naririnig ko ang mga artista ko...pag naririnig ko ang mga (magagandang bagay) na sinasabi niyo sa pelikula ko, I know I have achieved my goal.

"Yung naiintindihan ng tao ang message ng movies ko---of course hindi ko sinasabing di ko kailangan ng pera---pero mas masarap sa puso yung ganito. This is priceless. Di kayang bayaran ng pera. Gusto ko yung ganitong feeling..."

He sometimes wishes Filipinos could see how his movies are received abroad, how foreigners rave about his works.

But then again "it's not about that."

"I'm just always doing my best in everything; not to outshine anyone but (because) I think this (filmmaking) is my purpose."

Set in the Maguindanao region of Western Mindanao, Philippines, "Moro" follows two brothers, Jasim, the diligent elder brother, and Abdel, the irresponsible younger brother who has squandered his savings on gambling. After having an ominous dream involving her deceased husband, their mother attempts to reconcile the two brothers. With the assistance of the local community, the family finds a semblance of peace. However, unexpected government intervention soon plunges the entire region into a state of severe violence.

Former OIC-Secretary of National Commission on Muslim Filipinos, Yusoph Mando, praised "Moro" for its "exceptional and impactful production."

"As a viewer and Muslim myself, I'm deeply touched by the film's portrayal of the events surrounding the gruesome Mama Sapano incident that happened in Maguindanao province sometime in 2015."

Yusoph added, relating to Mendoza and "Moro" actors and production team: "Your commitment to showcasing fairness, justice, and the perspectives of both Muslims and non-Muslims affected by the tragedy is truly commendable...."

"Moro" stars award-winning actors Laurice Guillen, Baron Geisler, and Piolo Pascual, with Christopher De Leon and Joel Torre. Also starring Beauty Gonzalez, Nikki Valdez, Felix Roco, Ina Feleo, Alvin Anson, Rolando Inocencio, Dido Dela Paz, Kirst Viray, Onyl Torres. From Center Stage Productions, "Moro" is produced by Krisma Maclang Fajardo, cinematography by Odyssey Flores, production design by Dante Mendoza, edited by Ysabelle Denoga, music by Jake Abella, and sound by Albert Michael Idioma.