Direk Joey Reyes’ Cinemalaya debut

Mga Mumunting Lihim (Those Little Secrets) is the first independent film written and directed by Jose Javier Reyes.

In a writing career that spans 30 years and a listing of directorial works close to 60 movies, this is the very first time that Reyes ventured into making a film outside the studio system to finally join what he deems as the new direction and true future of Philippine cinema.

The decision to finally make an indie movie came at what Reyes feels is the right time and project. Mga Mumunting Lihim is what he considers his most personal work. Admittedly, he concedes that no mainstream studio will agree to produce a project that defies conventional storytelling and, more so, places popular mainstream actresses against their usual typecast.

Reyes emphasizes that Mga Mumunting Lihim is a film about friendship created by friends.

The film centers on what happens to four female friends in their 30s — as they confront realities in their changing lives. It also dwells on the fragile chains that bind people together, the volatile nature of friendship and how the years of camaraderie do not and cannot guarantee a total knowledge of one another.

Reyes in his wisdom imparts, “It is those little secrets and heartaches accumulated through time that can make friendship stronger — or destroy everything that the years have put together.”

Reyes also states that without the kindness, time and talent given by his lead actresses the film could not have been done. These actresses did not only contribute their precious time but agreed to do the film pro bono out of their love for the project — and the chance to portray roles they could not have otherwise obtained in commercial movies.

Mga Mumunting Lihim stars Judy Ann Santos, Iza Calzado, Agot Isidro and Janice de Belen.

Gala premiere of the movie is on July 25, 9 p.m. at the CCP Main Theater as part of the Director’s Showcase of Cinemalaya 2012.