Controversy also seems to hound the entries "Susmaryosep," "Hubog" and "Tatarin" as they are injected with sexual exploits with some even containing super sexy and flesh-baring scenes. Of course, there are still movies for general patronage like "Bahay ni Lola" and Mikey Arroyo's "Di Kita Ma Reach."
Other than the box-office results and awards to be won by any of the entries, film festivals like the MMFF are usually venues that uncover the acting geniuses of actors and actresses. And among the actresses, Jodi Santamaria's portrayal of her role has already earned her positive citations.
For Jodi Santamaria, playing Dolor, the pregnant Christian wife of a Muslim rebel in "Bagong Buwan" may only be of bantam importance. But in comparison to the previous movies she has appeared in like "Mystrio," "Tarsan" and "Anak" since she was launched via Talent Center's Batch 7, this was already a big break for her to showcase her craft.
"Before, I would always feel that I was just an extra. And I would always feel good when I was given lines. But for this movie, acting-wise, I think I improved a lot because it gave me a chance to show off my skills," she said.
The "space" she had to display her creative wares may be small but her director Marilou Diaz-Abaya has said that there are no small roles in their movie or any film per se. The director's working attitude of making every small scene or role counts especially in "Bagong Buwan" helped Jodi bring out her best in portraying her role.
Her acting's climax that would certainly catch the attention of moviegoers and maybe critics too is that scene wherein she gives birth. And according to her, it was a moment wherein she understood the pains of every woman in labor.
She researched her role by personally asking pregnant women and women who have already given birth like her director, Marilou.
"They told me how and where it usually hurt and the uncomfortableness of carrying a child inside your body. I then tried to act it out. Of course pregnant women always have a hard time. Imagine what it feels like when are breathing for two people with one nose" she related. "I even learned the proper breathing exercises, how to contract and when to push hard." Jodi then felt she was really pregnant and really giving birth when they were filming the scene.
"I was really pushing hard and I was already crying because I felt how painful it was. I am not yet pregnant but I already had a hard time. What more if it was already for real," Jodi commented.
Besides learning and internalizing the hardships of laboring, her ample experience in "Bagong Buwan" also furthered her understanding of the Muslim-Christian situation. She was even optimistic that a harmonious relationship was still possible.
"Well, I believe that Muslims and Christians can still get along fine. For me it doesn't even matter what your religion is. What is important is your character. I mean we even had Muslims and Christians working together on the set of "Bagong Buwan" and they jive well except probably with regards to some food," shared Jodi.
Twenty-year-old Jodi started in showbiz when she was just 17.
After a number of guest appearances in various TV shows, she landed the role of George in ABS-CBN's Sunday afternoon drama series "Tabing Ilog."
Running for almost three years now, Jodi felt that she matured along with the show. She admitted that there were a lot of changes that happened in her life when she got older. Physically, according to her, she has become a better dresser and has become conscious of her figure. And personality-wise, she even became a friendlier person.
"Sa totoo lang doon na ako nagdalaga. But George is still different from Jodi. We have the same gestures or nuances but when it comes to personalities I am not a war freak. I don't tell on people when I'm mad. I usually keep quiet about my anger," she stressed.
Despite having her acting skills tied up to her TV series (she is also a regular in "Pangako Sa Iyo"), Jodi hopes that she gets more movie projects in the future. But she welcomes the maturity of her character as a new challenge since she too just recently turned 20. With "Tabing Ilog's" tackling more adult and sensitive issues like one-night stands and getting married, Jodi has no qualms being in a sensitive situation and awaits the new experience in the series.
"I'm very contented where I am and the TV work I'm doing right now. I don't want to rush things," declared the young actress on whether she felt she was not given a bigger chance to act more in the movies. "Whatever comes my way I will accept them. If they give me a break then thank you but if there's none, I'll just wait."
Her attitude grew from the idea that actors or actresses who hastened their showbiz career also quickened their demise. She'd rather work hard for it and slowly reach her goal.
But she has already set her limitations. At the moment, she would not do sexy or mature movies that would exploit her sexuality rather than her acting abilities. She just hopes too that next year would bring her more movie projects.
Whether on television or the movies, one thing is certain for Jodi Santamaria -
her deep thespic skills make her a dramatic actress ON THE RISE!