Even the most casual Filipino moviegoer recognizes the impact both John Lloyd Cruz and Ricky Lee have had on Philippine cinema. On March 21, the two filmmaking powerhouses sat down for an engaging conversation with Rolling Stone Philippines’ Features Editor Don Jaucian to share their thoughts on the process of acting and their perspectives on the power of narratives.
The Maybank Performing Arts Theater at Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, was packed as attendees eagerly took their seats to hear Cruz and Lee’s insights on the state of the local film industry. Lee, who was awarded the title of National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts in 2022 for his contributions to Filipino culture as a screenwriter, journalist, novelist, and playwright, spoke extensively about how he writes scripts for established names like Cruz. “Pag sina John Lloyd or si Nora [Aunor]… ay, pahirapan natin ‘to,” said Lee. Cruz and Lee have collaborated on a number of films, from the 2022 gritty martial law series Servando Magdamag to as early as the 2003 teleserye It Might Be You. On working with Cruz, Lee describes the actor as a “chameleon,” using his acting abilities to easily disappear into any role.
Cruz took a more laid back approach onstage as he made banter with Lee. “We should stop producing [films], sobrang dami na,” Cruz joked when asked about his experience as a producer on projects, the latest of which is the 2024 thriller Moneyslapper, where the actor took the lead as a young man who leaves the Philippines after winning the biggest cash prize in the history of the country’s lottery.
“Pero seriously, this is the best interview sa buong buhay ko,” said Cruz, referring to his conversation with Lee in the cover story of Rolling Stone Philippines first print issue. For the print story, Lee returned to his journalistic roots and sat down with Cruz on a conversation about being an artist and what it entails in this day and age.
The conversation became even more relaxed towards the end of their time onstage, with Cruz jokingly refusing to answer questions about “the state of Philippine cinema.” As the entire audience stood up to applaud the panelists, it was clear that their candid discussion not only entertained but also inspired everyone in attendance.
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