‘Sugdan Na Ang Sakit’
is stepping stone for BisayaFlix to promote local talent
When BisayaFlix premiered its first theatrical movie “Sugdan Na Ang Sakit” last February 25 at SM Seaside City Centerstage, there were cheers and teasing from the audience whenever the film’s stars Akiko Solon and Elcid Camacho shared a scene on the big screen.
What the audience saw was a romantic drama inspired from the actors’ real-life relationship. For Camacho, who is also the film’s director and writer, the movie is much bigger than their real-to-reel love story.
“It’s about what Bisaya can offer to the mainstream in terms of filmmaking. Part of our vision is to make more movies so we can build awareness [about BisayaFlix]”, Camacho said during a press conference before the premiere.
Having done small roles during her brief stint as a Star Magic talent, Solon was delighted to work with her fellow Bisaya castmates. “It’s overwhelming because Bisaya [actors] are very talented. I can say that it’s so nice because you can see that there is so much talent,” she said.
Joining Solon and Carmacho in the press conference were cast members Sam Constanilla, Joy Gables, Jessel Regis, TJ Villacampa, content creator and model Bibam Lim, and vlogger Fritz Alcaraz.
“Just the theme song performed by
Akiko, it’s already painful and emotional. How much more if it’s being made into a movie?” said Alcaraz of the Laagan sa Sugbo YouTube channel, who plays himself in the film.
Veteran host Costanilla, who plays Mia’s (played by Solon) father, remarked, “When Elcid invited me to be part of the cast, I said yes because being an actor, writer, and director, I feel like I owe a huge help to other directors in their movies because there is so much talent from Cebuanos.”
Portraying Mia’s mother is Gabales, who was “working in other productions when Elcid called me for this movie. I am a lover of the arts and I would love to contribute to this [local] industry.”
Villacampa – Mia’s malicious brother in the film – echoed Elcid’s sentiments. “It’s not just the movie itself, it’s about us Bisaya to promote and patronize Bisaya. If we patronize Korean movies that we need to translate, why not translate our own? That’s one of the factors that led me to support the Bisaya talent, and this will serve as a launching pad for BisayaFlix for us to penetrate mainstream media.”
Regis, featured here as Mia’s best friend, called the film a testament of their hard work.
“BisayaFlix was launched for Cebuanos to showcase their talents. I am very grateful to be part of this cast and I support Elcid’s vision,” she said.
BisayaFlix’s next feature-length film will be an action-comedy movie inspired by “The Hangover” movies.
“Sugdan Na Ang Sakit is just a stepping stone for us. What we see in cinemas here in Cebu are always Tagalog movies,” Camacho quipped. “Do you think it’s fair for us to look down on our own movies? If they can do it, we can also do it.” – Januar Junior Aguja