DIRECTOR’S CUT
Communication is key for Jeffrey Jeturian
By Ronald Mangubat
Inquirer
First Posted 00:53am (Mla time) 09/01/2007
MANILA, Philippines—A decade ago, when Jeffrey Jeturian was tapped to direct his first full-length film, he was not sure if his personality would fit into the “crazy” world of show business. “I’m not aggressive,” he explains. “I’m soft-spoken, reticent and laid-back. I’m not the show biz type!”
Burning desire
But, Jeturian’s burning desire to become a filmmaker pushed him to conquer his fears and face the gruelling demands of movie directing. “My attitude then was to go for broke,” the 47-year-old filmmaker recalls. “Luckily, the critics liked my work, and other offers came soon after.”
Indeed, the former UP Architecture student has gone a long way from the days when he would skip lunch in school just to save up for a movie ticket. Ensconced in the dark theater, he would watch his favorite stars on the big screen and experience the hypnotic power of the movies.
It was Lino Brocka’s “Maynila Sa Mga Kuko ng Liwanag” that cemented his desire to become a filmmaker, which eventually led to his first movie, “Sana Pag-ibig Na.” Excerpts from our interview:
What’s keeping you busy these days?
I’m doing TV work for ABS-CBN. I direct two episodes of “Maalaala Mo Kaya” every month, and I’ll be starting a new soap starring Anne Curtis. I’m also in the research stage of my next movie, which is inspired by the legend of Laguna de Bay.
Last year, you traveled around the world because of “Kubrador.” What was that experience like?
It was great! “Kubrador” was shown in 51 film festivals; I went mostly to those based in Europe. I even became a judge in Estonia. Gina Pareño won best actress thrice—in India, Brussels and France.
What insights did you get from attending those festivals?
I realized that, if you show your own culture, foreigners would be interested to watch your films, because, for them, they’re novel!
What were your fears when you were starting as a director?
I was concerned that I might not be able to make my actors act—that was my greatest fear! But, based on experience, as long as you know what the scene is about, and you know how to communicate with your actors, they will deliver. In acting and directing, communication is key.
Scenes
Which scenes in your films were difficult to mount?
The sex scenes in “Pila-Balde.” Pinakiramdaman ko muna ang mga artista! I kept postponing the shoot. The All Saints Day cemetery scene in “Kubrador” was also difficult to shoot, because I couldn’t stop people from saying, “Tita Gina!”
Will you still be making films 10 years from now?
Yes, filmmaking is the only thing that gives me a high. I love my work!
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