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Mario Bautista, has been with the entertainment industry for more than 4 decades. He writes regular columns for People's Journal and Malaya.

Dec 7, 2015

Meet New Director John Paul Su, Helmer Of The Metro-Manila Filmfest New Wave Entry, 'Toto'

JOHN PAUL SU, or JP, the writer-director of “Toto” moved to the U.S. when he was 24 and worked for sometime with The Filipino Channel. When he got his green card, he went to New York U and studied filmmaking. How did he conceive of the story of “Toto”?

“I’m like Toto, who dreamt of going to the U.S. and I became an immigrant,” says JP, who’s now 37 years old. “An American asked me, why are Filipinos always smiling even when they’re already being sued? And I realized it’s true. Filipinos find humor in everything and it’s part of their resiliency. Toto is a poor. uneducated guy, but he never loses hope and his love for life, kaya comedy ang approach namin sa movie.”

How did he cast the movie and how is it directing such a big cast? “You know, I only realized we have a big cast when I saw all of them here in the presscon. Friends helped me cast them, kasi I don’t really know our local stars. When Sid’s name came up, I did a research on him. Also for Liza Dino, Mara Lopez and the rest of the cast. But I’m happy to be working with such a big ensemble cast. They’re all very talented. They made my work easier. ‘Toto’ is a fun emotional roller coaster ride that, hopefully, will leave viewers inspired and moved. After all, there’s a Toto that resides in each of us.”

“Toto” will be shown at SM Megamall, Glorietta and Robinsons Galleria from December 12 to 24.

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