Arnold wins in Tokyo

Independent actor Arnold Reyes has so much to be proud of, in the Pinoy indie film Birdshot, especially after it won Best Film in the Asian Future Category at the recent Tokyo International Film Festival (TIFF). As the film’s lead actor, he plays a straight policeman surnamed Domingo.

The movie, directed by Michael Red, revolves around the circumstances surrounding the shooting of a Philippine Eagle by a kid named Maya played by indie revelation act Mary Joy Apostol. Arnold and Mary Joy carry the film as main characters, with the support from John Arcilla.

“It’s a big opportunity to learn from John Arcilla and experience doing a great film as Birdshot with him,” expressed Arnold who finds himself doing police roles one after the other.

Birdshot had its world premiere at the TIFF last Oct. 28 and intends to have its commercial screening here in Manila come March 2017. Arnold, direk Michael and selected crew went to Tokyo and were elated hearing their movie announced as the winner in the category of films done by start-up directors.

Described as a suspense drama, Birdshot is just direk Michael’s second full-length flick. Though its victory was perhaps overshadowed by the triumph of Paolo Ballesteros who won Best Actor for Die Beautiful at the same festival, its good quality stands out which makes Arnold think it is bound to make a deep impression to many Filipinos in the days and months ahead.

“I have to say binusisi ni direk nang husto ang sound design ng Birdshot kaya it’s top quality and you should hear it to believe,” shared the actor who excitedly noted seeing in person Oscar standout Meryl Streep at the TIFF where her movie was the opening film.

He added, Birdshot story is good and we used a story-board from start to finish. People should watch the movie.”

On preparing for his role (which he does each time he makes a movie), Arnold needed to watch history stuff and TV Patrol. He pointed out, “I went back to zero in preparing for the role. I read the script four to five times and as usual, I was so nervous if I could really pull it off.”

In explaining his and Mary Joy’s roles, he mused, “We’re the clean guys thrown into a web of corruption.”

At the TIFF, he admitted to shedding tears upon learning that Birdshot won. For him, it’s a fitting climax to a festival where he saw the likes of Lav Diaz, Jun Lana and Perci Intalan together and witnessing Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) chairman Liza Diño giving her support by being there herself. He also praised the level of professionalism and class displayed at TIFF that amounts to what a world-class festival is.

With the victory, he hopes Birdshot goes the distance and gets marketed well. He added, “The film has commercial appeal and it is well-crafted. It is a movie that should be seen by many.”

Arnold will also be given the FAMAS Recognition Award for Outstanding Performance this year for consistently giving excellent portrayal of any role given him whether big or small.  — With reports from Almed Garcia and Julian Mauricio