Eugene Domingo ‘tired of selling’ films
"Pagod na akong magbenta.”
This is what award-winning actress Eugene Domingo said about the lack of support Filipino viewers are giving socially-relevant, internationally-acclaimed films.
The award-winning actress tried to hold back tears as she told media at the presscon of “Barber’s Tales”: “If those honors and those awards are not enough, I don’t know what is for you to witness a film that has a story to tell, portrayed by very good actors, I don’t know how (else to make the film sell)."
Eugene, who won a Best Actress award in the 2013 Tokyo International Film Festival for “Barber’s Tales,” admitted she is not sure whether rave reviews from foreign critics and moviegoers are enough to bring Filipinos to cinema houses once the film opens in theaters nationwide on August 13.
More terrified
“Ika nga ng mga Pranses na nanuod, ’This is a very important film. How will your fellowmen receive this?’ Sabi namin, ‘Hindi po namin alam.’”
She added, “I don’t know how to sell a movie like this because this comes once in a lifetime. Hindi ko alam kung mabibigyan pa ako ng pagkakataon na ganito.”
Eugene admitted she is “more terrified” thinking about how internationally-acclaimed films will fare in local theaters because they usually get a lukewarm response from the Filipino audience.
“Sabi ko nga kay direk Jun (Lana), ‘Why am I more terrified in my own country than in anywhere in the world?’ Maybe because alam niyong ‘Komedyante iyan, ano bang tema niyan?’ Nakaka-insecure. Pero hindi naman basura ang ipinapakita mo di ba? Pero kinakabahan ka. I am terrified to the bones. Please give us a chance. Kahit lima lang ang nasa sinehan pero lalabas na kumpleto, masaya na ako.”
Eugene revealed that she feels frustrated that some of her films did not fare well in the box office even if they’re based on a good story, with performers who gave their all to the project.
‘I gave you enough’
“Hindi naman ako nagsisinungaling. It’s frustrating in a way. I’m also an artist. I’m basically a fan of creative works na hindi lang puro comedy roles. Siguro nag-uugat ako sa pinanggalingan namin ni Shamaine (Buencamino), na teatro pa rin. Hindi naman ako siguro superstar material. Hindi din ako blockbuster. I just want to give you what you deserve.”
If not for her ongoing contract with Star Cinema, Eugene wants “Barber’s Tales” to be her swan song.
“Narealize ko after doing this film na this is not the most enjoyable film, and this is not a dream environment for a shooting, but when I finally saw the outcome, it gave me a feeling of fulfillment and contentment. And it’s not bad being contented. As an actor, I am very much satisfied. This satisfaction will be with me for a very, very long time. Nagbigay na po ako ng “Kimmy Dora,” “Babae sa Septic Tank,” and itong “Barber’s Tales.” Let me live my life. I gave you enough.”
Semi-sabbatical
She will take a semi-sabbatical from the movies, not because she is burned out.
“It’s just that ang lakas ng feeling ng contentment na okay na, quota na. hindi naman ako ganoon ka-sakim. Masarap lang maging kuntento. Hindi ako aalis. But let me enjoy other things aside from making movies.”
She added, “I will always be a supporter of Filipino films anywhere in the world. It’s just that sometimes you have to accept that you’re okay, you’re satisfied. I cannot retire, but I can go away for awhile.”
The actress also said that she plans to have only one movie in 2014 in-between her hosting chores for GMA 7’s “Celebrity Bluff.”
