The Actresses in Cinemalaya X

"No acting"-acting was probably coined in reference to indie films.  Mercedes Cabral, in an interview, confirmed that TV acting requires a different approach - you can't have an ugly face when crying and need to cry at a certain camera angle.  A common criticism  from indie directors is how much acting direction they actually provide their lead stars.  If you are a new filmmaker tasked to direct a multi-awarded superstar, how much acting direction can you really give?  Is it possible that indie actors portrayed roles primarily based on personal interpretations and tapped on their experience, relying less on their directors?

Case in point, the Cinemalaya films this 2014.

In the Director's Showcase category, it is safe to assume that Nora Aunor gets the Best Actress award.  Just give her the trophy.  And this has nothing do with the recent National Artist snub.  Her restrained performance from Lamangan's Hustisya was intelligent and poignant.  If you are not Aunor, it is very difficult to imagine how one can be a serious contender in this category.

On the other hand, a very tight-race in the New Breed Category for Acting.  Whether the film worked or not, the actresses carried many of the film.  Is it a coincidence that the strongest acting performances came from the New Breed Category?  I wonder how much direction Ricky Davao received in his 2 powerful scenes - one at the restaurant, and the other while eavesdropping - in Mariquina.  I wonder if Dante Rivero received actual acting direction for his insightful portrayal in 1st ko si 3rd?

For actresses, how much acting direction did these fine portrayals receive?
Eula Valdes - intelligent but eccentric, strong-willed but fragile portrayal of Issey in Dagitab
Angeli Bayani - electrifying and disturbing Divina in Bwaya
Nova Villa - endearing and charming Corazon in 1st ko si 3rd
Mylene Dizon - extremely difficult portrayal of apathetic Imelda in Mariquina

Any of these 4 deserve to win, and personally at a loss to pick which.  4 fine acting portrayals one of which predicted to win the award, whether they actually received acting direction or not for their "no acting"-acting.


In a very animated and intelligent interview, Mercedes Cabral, "ang Diwata ng Malayang Pelikula" talks about acting, the difference between indie, mainstream and TV acting, real-time direction and Nora Aunor.