Lance Raymundo wants viewers to focus on ‘Fidel’ storyline
Although he is aware that some people might watch his forthcoming indie film “Fidel” for the rape scene between two men, actor Lance Raymundo said its thrust is more on the problems many Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) encounter abroad.
“I hope the Department of Foreign Affairs (POEA) and the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) would have more programs to educate Filipinos about living abroad so that they don’t walk around naïve and get themselves in trouble while they are there,” he said just before the Standing Room Only “Fidel” press screening held at the AFP Theater last Aug. 28.
“Fidel” tells the story of an OFW who is raped by his employer. Enraged with what happened, Fidel kills the employer and lands himself on death row.
Lance reiterated that rape not only happens to females, but males, too.
“When you’re sexually violated whether by someone of the same or the opposite sex, that is rape,” he said.
“As a straight male, I could empathize with my character because I wouldn’t want to be touched, let alone raped, by anyone. Sex is a sacred thing. Before engaging in such, consent between partners is a must.”
The actor lauded “Fidel” writer Charlotte Dianco and director Shandii Bacolod for explaining to him in depth, the range of emotions a male rape victim goes through which Lance was able to manifest in his portrayal of the role.
“Vigilant at thorough sila [Dianco, Bacolod] mag-research kaya naintindihan ko kung ano yung kailangan kong gawin sa pelikula,” said Lance. “I also got to interview people who have either been raped or know people who have gone through the ordeal.”
“I am happy that in this film, I didn’t have to do things that don’t exist. Lahat dito sa ‘Fidel,’ pwede talagang mangyari sa totoong buhay.”
Lance has his fingers crossed for “Fidel” to make it to this year’s Cinemanila festival as well as to film festivals abroad. But even if it doesn’t, he said it is enough if the film would open the eyes of OFWs to the potential dangers ahead of them so they could prevent these from happening.
“Also, for the concerned government agencies would extend the same protection and compassion to male rape victims as they do with female ones,” Lance said.
The people behind Piperstorm Pictures & Periwinkle Entertainment Production which bankrolled “Fidel” are finalizing a deal for its commercial release in local theaters. They also have been getting some feelers from foreign film festival organizers who are intrigued by the film’s touchy subject.
His biggest role to death, “Fidel” comes in the heels of Cinemalaya finalist “Ang Nerseri” in which Lance played one of the lead roles.
Other actors in “Fidel” are Maria Isabel Lopez; Marife Necesito; Andrea del Rosario; Snooky Serna; Jao Mapa; Justin de Leon; RJ Revilla; Alex Medina; Ana-Abad Santos; Von Arroyo; Jonathan Neri; Mosang; Roder; Fonz Deza; Jon Hall; Nonoy Froilan; Cheryy Mae Canton; IC Mendoza and Martin de la Paz.
