Marky Cielo should have starred in his first indie film in 2009. PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal) learned that he was supposed to act opposite Jewel Mische in the film Bente. Director Mel Chionglo personally handpicked Marky from among those who auditioned to play a major role in the film. This political thriller is written by scriptwriter-turned-novelist Ricky Lee.
Aside from starring in Bente, Marky was also supposed to take part in a theater production of Tanghalang Pilipino titled Kutsilyo, Pamaypay at Yantok. The Sole Survivor of StarStruck Season 3 was already rehearsing for the role of Ibarra in the first episode of the trilogy titled "Ang Balutan ng Gamot at Pagkain." (Click HERE to read more about this play.)
Bente is one of the six entries of a film series called Sine Direk. This project is organized by the Directors Guild of the Philippines and funded by APT Entertainment. Six directors of DGPI, namely Mel Chionglo, Joel Lamangan, Lore Reyes, Soxie Topacio, Maryo J. delos Reyes and Peque Gallaga will be given P2 million to bring their chosen script to the big screen.
Direk Joel has already done Fuschia, which is slated to be shown by January 2009. Direk Mel will helm Bente, Direk Lore heads Litsunero, while Direk Soxie will meg Dead na si Lolo. In addition, Direk Maryo will direct Kamoteng Kahoy while Direk Peque is slated to do Agaton and Mindy.
PEP talked with Mr. Lee during the premiere night of Fuschia, which stars Gloria Romero, Iza Calzado, Eddie Garcia, Robert Arevalo, and Celia Rodriguez among others.
To describe the plot of Bente, Mr. Lee says, "Political thriller yun, parang action thriller."
Why is it titled Bente (Twenty)? "Kasi kung minsan sa lipunan, ang buhay ng tao nagiging bente e, bente pesos na lang yung halaga yung buhay ng tao. Thriller siya so mabilis ang pacing."
He later explains the main characters of the story: "May isang broadcaster, may isang estudyante, and may isang supposedly siya dapat yung nasa scene na papatay dun sa isa. May personal drama rin kasi yung asawa ng isa, nalaman niya na kinakaliwa siya. Hindi ito purely political film saka may action scenes siya."
Around 50 scripts were submitted by DGPI members for inclusion in Sine Direk. The six shortlisted films will have full theatrical and campus runs by 2009.
PEP Live