(From left) Win Metawin and Janella Salvador. Images: X/@@28squaredstudio
The cross-cultural love story in the film “Under Parallel Skies” was created with Janella Salvador and Win Metawin in mind, as revealed by its director and writer Sigrid Bernardo.
On the sidelines of “Under Parallel Skies’” premiere night, Bernardo told reporters that while she wrote the film concept, it had long been decided that Salvador and Metawin would be the leads.
“My writing process — when the [location and leads] were given to me — was honestly hard. But I’m very happy that it turned out well,” she said. “When we were doing the concept, it was really written for both of them. When I wrote the concept, sinabi na nila sa’kin ‘yung artista (I was informed that they are the lead actors).”
The film tells the story of Thai businessman Parin (Metawin) in search of his missing mother, and who crosses paths with Iris (Salvador), a Filipina working at a hotel in Hong Kong. The two fall in love as they navigate the ins and outs of their cross-cultural courtship, set in the heart of a foreign land.
Touching on Salvador and Metawin’s onscreen chemistry, Bernardo said one of the tips she gave to their lead actors was to be mindful of “how they look at each other.” The film maker admitted that working with a Thai actor and Filipina actress was no easy task, but their professionalism made the working environment easier for everyone.
“Chemistry is very crucial, especially in this film,” she said. “I always tell them how to look at each other. You have to fall in love with each other. Fall in love with the character. They’re not together in real life but you have to find ways to look for a person’s good side to ignite the ‘kilig.’ You have to make me believe it.”
The filmmaker also shared that she did her best to push Salvador and Metawin to be at their best, which ultimately made her develop a soft spot for their chemistry as well.
“Talagang pinush ko sila for the kilig (I really pushed them to make the kilig work),” she said. “They worked hard. They really bonded with each other. Kahit ako, kinikilig sa kanila (Even me, I feel butterflies with them), to be honest.”
When asked about Metawin’s popularity in the Philippines, Bernardo admitted that it’s “surreal” to work with him, while noting how “happy” she is for his growth as an actor.
“I’m very happy for him, especially ‘yung improvement niya sa film na ‘to from Day 1 to [the end of filming], grabe ang hard work niya talaga. As a director, grabe ang pagiging professional and improvement niya sa character, it’s really commendable,” she said.
