Arnold Reyes: Happy to be 'indie'

MANILA, Philippines - Arnold Reyes is known today as “the independent actor,” being one of the best and most sought-after actors in the independent film community. He has starred in several indie films like Condo, Huling Araw ng Linggo, Vendo, Pisay, Pera-Perahang Lata, Big Time, Adela and Imoral. He has pitted acting talents with some of the best in the industry like Boots Anson-Roa, Anita Linda, Perla Bautista and Piolo Pascual.

Arnold takes pride that his movies are recognized in film festivals here and abroad. Pisay, an Auraeus Solito film, was one of the Philippine entries to the Toronto International Film Festival and the Pusan International Film Festival in South Korea in 2007. It also won the Grand Prix du Jury (Grand Prize of the International Jury) and the Prix du Public (Audience Prize) at the 14th Vesoul International Film Festival of Asian Cinema in France.

His short film, Vendo, directed by Chris Martinez, received the Silver Prize at the 2008 Southeast Asia TBWA Creative Directors’ Film Festival in Bali, Indonesia.

Arnold is in high spirits these days because his two films Independencia and Manila are participating at the prestigious 62nd Cannes Film Festival. Independencia is competing under the Un Certain Regard, a section of the festival’s Official Selection. The movie is directed by Raya Martin and stars Alessandra de Rossi, Sid Lucero and Tetchie Agbayani. On the other hand, Manila will have special screenings during the festival. It topbills Piolo Pascual and is directed by Adolf Alix Jr. and Martin.

Arnold’s other indie films Astig and Ugat sa Lupa are official entries at the 2009 Cinemalaya. Astig is a full-length film directed by GB Sampedro and written by Gerry Gracio. The movie is an episodic tale of four young men whose stories parallel and contrast with the landmarks and diverse images of Manila. Arnold portrays a Chinese mestizo who is coming to grips with his identity. Astig also stars Dennis Trillo, Edgar Allan Guzman and Lucero.

Ugat sa Lupa is a short film directed and written by Ariel Reyes. Arnold plays a rich merchant in the movie. Also in the cast are Gerald Madrid and Angelie Urquico.

Arnold is thankful for all the good projects coming his way. “I feel blessed kasi sunud-sunod ang mga movies ko. For me, there are no small or big roles for an actor. What is important is how you portray a role. Actors are not indispensable. The only way to establish oneself is to constantly develop one’s craft. Love your work and it will love you back. If they say that I am ‘The Independent Actor’ — thank you. It is a privilege.”

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