MANILA – Piolo Pascual and Gerald Anderson, the lead stars of Star Cinema’s upcoming action flick "On The Job" (OTJ), are both overwhelmed that their movie will have its world premiere in May as part of a section at the Cannes International Film Festival.
In an interview with “The Buzz” aired on Sunday, Anderson said it makes him proud to represent the Philippines in the prestigious festival.
“Sobra akong proud na ire-represent namin ang mga Filipinos. It just shows na kapag may pangarap ka, hindi siya imposible,” he said.
Pascual, for his part, said making it to Cannes is a dream come true.
“It's a dream come true and an answered prayer. We are all excited. We all wanted it to be included dito sa festival and now finally we are going,” he said.
The Erik Matti-directed film is one of the selections of the Quinzaine des Réalisateurs or the Directors' Fortnight, a section at Cannes held independently by the French Directors Guild.
In "OTJ," Pascual portrays a National Bureau of Investigation agent whose job puts him at odds with his wife played by Shaina Magdayao. Anderson, meanwhile, takes on the role of a "hitman" on the run.
It also stars Joel Torre, Joey Marquez and Angel Aquino.
The lone Filipino movie in the section will be screened alongside 30 other films -- 21 feature films and nine short films -- from around the world.
Aside from "OTJ," two other Filipino films will participate in this year's Cannes.
“Death March,” which stars Kapamilya actors Sam Milby and Zanjoe Marudo, will compete in the Un Certain Regard section of the annual film festival, along with another Filipino film, “Norte, Hangganan ng Kasaysayan” by acclaimed filmmaker Lav Diaz.
