The future of intelligence and thought takes center stage with Instalado which started screening in Cine Lokal yesterday.
The sci-fi film, which was entry to the ToFarm Film Festival last year, is top billed by Kapamilya heartthrob and Hashtags member McCoy De Leon in his first ever leading role together with Junjun Quintana, Barbara Miguel and Francis Magundayao. It is helmed by Jason Paul Laxamana.
The movie tells the story of Viktor (McCoy)who lives in a time when the dominant form of education is through installation, a process wherein bodies of knowledge can be installed directly on people’s brains using technology owned by big corporation.
Though science fiction prevails as the dominant genre of the movie, many ideals are projected throughout the film; making it a great thought-simulator while maintaining a wholesome essence.
In one of the scenes, McCoy takes off his shirt and exposes his upper body. But don’t get us wrong, the film is not just all about his half-nakedness.
“In the movie, I play the character of a provincial boy named Victor. Yes, there was this scene that I had to remove my shirt,” McCoy said in vernacular.
Does this mean he is ready for bolder and more daring roles after his first big screen outing?
“It will still depend on the material that they will offer me. I guess that’s the farthest I could go. Not that I am uncomfortable, I just don’t see myself doing another indie film where I would expose more skin,” he explained.
According to the 22-year-old actor, he prefers portraying wholesome yet interesting characters just like the role he plays in the primetime drama, The Good Son. He also appreciates that people are affected by the way his character develops in the series.
“I’ve heard that some people are beginning to hate my role. I take that as a positive feedback. It means we are doing something effective. That’s how we measure our performance as an actor,” he said.
In speaking of his performance, the Instalado director had nothing but good words for McCoy.
“Normally, we look for more experienced actors because we can already test if the character would suit them basing on their previous works, “ Laxamana said.
“But the lead character in the film requires a certain degree of innocence, which I think we can only get from someone who doesn’t have much experience acting in film, just like McCoy.”
Laxamana shared that they were not expecting that McCoy would accept the project given that the film is an indie and had a limited budget.
“He’s a rising star. That’s why we’re thankful he accepted the project. Here, he is able to showcase a different range in terms of acting,” Laxamana added.
Instalado is currently screening in SM Mall of Asia, Megamall, North Edsa, Fairview, Southmall, Bacoor, Sta. Mesa and Bacoor at 1:00 p.m., 3:30 p.m., 6:00 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.. During the ToFarm Fil Festival, it was recognized with six awards, including Best Supporting Actor and Actress.