Off the beaten track

Fredo’s psycho-sexual thriller, Compound, is one of the few independent movies that have made waves not only in the indie market but have also become cult favorites among the mainstream audience. Its week-long run at the Robinsons Galleria Movieworld which started last week has been doing very well. The film’s executive producer, George Sommerock, is overwhelmed with the public’s response to the project and is thankful to the growing number of Filipinos beginning to patronize this genre in the local film industry.

Compound, produced by HUBO Productions, is also presented by Mossimo, a major international clothing brand known for supporting projects in the local cultural and arts scene.

The film features an ensemble of fine actors led by John Arcilla. Most of them, however, are relatively unknown. Marq Dollentes believes the movie has been a creative experience that shows how an indie can break into the mainstream cinema simply by being true to its vision.

Below is a brief interview with Dollentes.

Is this your first movie and what’s your role?

It is my first movie and I play Gary Mendoza, a bisexual guy’s lover. My character tries to let go of the relationship but can’t. The movie is all about the outcomes of fear.

Why did you accept such sensitive role for your first movie?

Why not? I was thankful to have gotten the part. The first time I read the script, I was sleepy and thought I would just read my parts, but ended up reading the whole script because the story just blew my mind and I was imagining how the scenes would come out on the screen.

Did you have acting experience before Compound?

I have done a lot of workshops with most of the major theater companies in Manila. Even in college, I was already doing plays and acting classes and acting for short films for my friends. I also had sessions with Ken Lerner in Los Angeles.

How do you support yourself as an actor?

I work for Kuh Ledesma’s Headline Concepts as special projects manager. It’s a fun job because most of the time I am also assisting her with the things she does. So there is never a day that’s the same. It’s like the best acting workshop one can ever have. You will never know what you’re gonna be in a given moment in our office or during a show or tour. It’s hilarious, crazy, beautiful. I even made up this term called "states of be-ing" because whether in front of the camera or not, it’s really best to simply surrender to the moment and let things be. It’s all a play.

Do you intend to be in more movies?

At the moment, yes! Especially when the message can influence people. I’m part of Will’s new movie Care Giver. This time, I play a sepak-takraw athlete, so I had to train with the Philippine team for the role. We’re almost done with the movie and what a blast.

Compound will be shown today at Robinsons-Bacolod.