What Glaiza learned from portraying an anti-Martial Law fighter on film

Is "Liway" the start of a new chapter in Kapuso star Glaiza De Castro's career?

On Friday at the press conference for a special screening of the film, Glaiza confirmed that she wants to do more films that will have a stronger impact on the audience, but she said that it doesn't necessarily have to be political.

Speaking with GMA News Online, Glaiza said that she doesn't really think of "Liway" as a film about Martial Law. "Naging factor lang siya kasi 'yon 'yong setting, pero wala naman kaming diniscuss na laws or about someone."

"Kung baga, hindi 'yon 'yong naging focus talaga. Kaya siguro kumurot din sa tao, kasi na-hit... sabi nga ni Direk, on an emotional level ang hit niya e. Kung magfo-focus tayo doon sa political aspect of the film, baka iba 'yong maramdaman natin," she added.

Glaiza said that she doesn't see the film as an attack on anyone's character or belief. It's based on someone's choice to fight instead of merely survive, seizing freedom where she can and sharing it with her child.

More than anything, the actor said that "Liway" offered a humbling experience for her and she wants to share this feeling with the audience.

"It will remind us of what our parents are doing for us ... Minsan kasi sobrang focused tayo sa mga goals natin, sa mga objectives natin sa buhay, sa kalayaan natin, sa independence natin, sa mga gusto nating marating sa buhay — pero hindi natin alam na 'yong sinasakripisyo ng mga magulang natin para marating 'yon, sobrang dami," Glaiza said.

She added, "Wala silang (ibang) gusto para sa atin kung hindi ang magtagumpay tayo at minsan hindi natin 'yon naiintindihan."

Director Kip Oebanda during the press conference said that he was inspired to the story of his family's life in prison to counter claims alleging that the atrocities committed during the Martial Law era are just malicious lies.

"Nakakainsulto sa mga victims na sabihing hindi sila totoo. For me, ang mahalaga lang naman ay ang ikuwento 'yong tunay na nangyari at 'yon na ang contribution namin ... Itong mga stories na ito ay katotohanan at hindi kathang-isip," he told GMA News.

The director wrote the screenplay for "Liway" with the help of Zig Dulay. The titular character is based on her mother, Cecilia Flores-Oebanda, who entertained him with stories of a diwata fighting a dictator while he was growing up in a prison camp.

It won the Audience Choice Award and the Special Jury Commendation at the 2018 Cinemalaya Film Festival. It is slated for a nationwide release in theaters on October 10. —JST, GMA News