A few months ago, Lino Brocka’s Macho Dancer was part of the Museum of Modern Art (MOMA) Series billed as “Show Me Love: International Teen Cinema.”
Critic Richard Brody of newyork.com describes the 32-year-old motion picture as “Brocka builds scenes with incisive clarity, unfolding the intrepid maneuvers that make the difference between survival and disaster; the inevitable recourse to violence is tinged with a revolutionary defiance.”
The interest in the Brocka masterpiece throb even more with the arrival of its sequel, Anak ng Macho Dancer, which is set to sizzle in cinemas soon.
Joel Lamangan (who was a cast of the original film) directs, with its screenplay penned by Henry King Quitain. Godfather Productions bankrolls the film project with acting prince on the rise Sean de Guzman as its lead.
The Clique V member shares his thoughts on bagging the plum role: “Until now I cannot believe what is happening. You know, all I do now are baby steps, dahan-dahan lang. Careful as I inch my way to this new career of becoming an actor. All the surprises I get because of this break, I embrace and welcome. Ang daming natutunan. Ang sarap sa pakiramdam.”
“A part of me is a little awkward with all the attention but at the same time I am very happy,” Sean declares. “Thank you very much to director Joel Lamagan and my producers for the trust.”
This is his second film project with director Lamangan, the first being Lockdown where he played support.
“That is why I always come to the set prepared because I have already worked with direk Joel. I know he is a perfectionist. Professional and gusto niya talaga attentive ka, sa instructions, sa blockings at dapat, he always reminded me na damhin ko sa puso ko ang pinagdadaanan ni Inno.”
Inno is the son of Pol, Allan Paule’s character in the Brocka classic.
“Inno, as a young man, does not deviate from my own personality. We are somewhat similar in being a risk taker. When we have a goal, we dedicate our energies to the goal or cause and focused on it until I it comes to fruition,” Sean says.
Giving life to a macho dancer is an eye opening experience for the young man.
“Not all of us are blessed with the opportunities that come our way so we have no right to dismiss or judge someone because of their choices. No, these macho dancers are not saints but the reason they do it, they are fighting for their life and loved ones,” he relates.
“They all have a story that we should understand and respect. When you hear their stories, if people only take their time to really listen, it will hit you big time. For others, they already made a conclusion that their choice is easy,” he carries on.
Anak ng Macho Dancer might have a special screening this December. Commercial run happens next year in cinemas nationwide.
