We first met Malak So Shdifat when her professor, the distinguished Lito Casaje recommended her to us for the search on the fledgling Artista Academy of TV5. The concept of preparing new artists is an old one. But how these newcomers respond to the training is a different story. As a finalist in the search, Malak quickly got cast in the projects like Misibis Bay, the mini-serye of TV5.
Born of a Jordanian father and a Filipino-Chinese mother (who died when Malak was age 10), it was not easy for Malak to adjust to a life away from home. Malak’s dad keeps in touch and helps his children financially, but the long-distance arrangement is difficult to sustain, although Malak and her sisters are grateful for the existence of Facebook to help keep communication lines open.
Eventually, Malak’s father decided to live in Jordan where he works as a computer engineer, and his Jordanian wife has a business.
Malak told us how she has been taught to prepare for a scene. Should the requirement be sexy, the trainees are made to wear sexy outfits until they are comfortable walking around in that attire. When it comes to acting, there are coaches like Alice Dixson and of course, Boots Anson-Roa who was her acting coach for the three days courtesy of Artista Academy.
We asked Boots to describe Malak as a student. “She was a trouper, a serious student. For a beginner, she mustered much confidence. As an actress, she has innate talent and a perfect sense of timing. Most impressive for me is her ability to act in ensemble,” said Boots.
We wondered what else Malak could do to help her be convincing in the role assigned to her. Boots replied, “Malak can enroll in more workshops; practise being a keen observer of personalities, behavior and character. And focus more on her characterization. She should acquire greater discipline in mastering her script. Malak is a natural. She is at home in drama but is probably more comfortable and better predisposed to energetic and comedy roles. She is visually attractive, too. And she does not allow inhibitions to impede her performance.”
Lastly, Boots said that Mowelfund offers full and intensive 18-day filmmaking certificate courses that include three days of acting, aside from directing, scriptwriting, cinematography, editing, production and other facets of filmmaking. The Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), various university and theater groups like PETA and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) also offer short courses in acting.
Since she joined Artista Academy, Malak recounted the many projects she has joined. “My first project was Enchanted Garden, where I played the role of an evil sister of Eula Caballero. My second project was Never Say Goodbye directed by Mac Alejandre, and my first mature kontrabida role. Third was Misibis Bay directed by Monti Parungao. Fourth project was directed by Eric Quizon, which tackled the issues about HIV/AIDS. Fifth was Dyepni. Sixth was I’m in love with a Dota Player, directed by Mac Alejandre. Seventh project Bitter Ella, directed by Jay Altarejos.”
At the rate Malak has been going, we feel confident that pretty soon she will be joining the group of award winners. Congratulations, Malak, and her directors, her co-stars and Boots, who had faith in her ability.
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