Alessandra de Rossi on why she accepted the role in 'Firefly,' says she won't do 'kontrabida' roles anymore

After more than 25 years in show business, a string of critically acclaimed films, and awards, Alessandra de Rossi has proven her caliber as an actress.

In an interview with Aubrey Carampel for “24 Oras,” Thursday, it was her past movies that inspired her to be more selective about the roles she accepts.

“Parang sabi ko naku parang dapat ata ganto yung mga roles ko lagi. ‘Yun bang may mabibigay kang hope or ‘yung message at least nung film eh mapa-pass down mo sa kahit na anong generation kahit na 100 years from now ay wala ka na,” she shared.

[It's like I said, it seems like maybe my roles should always be like this. You know, where you can give hope or at least the message of the film that you can pass down to any generation, even 100 years from now when you're no longer here.]

In accepting the role of Elay, the mother of Ton (Euwenn Mikael) in “Firefly,” the official entry of GMA Public Affairs and GMA Pictures to the 2023 Metro Manila Film Festival, Alex said she wanted to work with Direk Zig Dulay again.

“Una sa lahat it’s Zig Dulay. Si Zig ay di mo rin mapapa-oo nang basta-basta. So kung u-mo-o si Zig dapat, u-mo-o din ako,” Alex shared.

[First of all, it's Zig Dulay. Zig is not someone that easily says yes. So if Zig said yes, then I should say yes too.]

“At saka maganda rin talaga ‘yung role. It’s something na gaya nga ng sinasabi ko mag-iiwan siya sayo ng something,” she added.

[And the role is really good as well. It's something, like I've been saying, that will leave something for you.]

In bringing the role of Elay to life, Alex also shared that she drew inspiration from her own mother and Euwenn’s mother in real life. She made sure to observe their son and mother relationship behind the camera.

On why viewers should watch “Firefly,” the actress said that it’s a movie about kids, for kids.

“Unahin niyo ‘yung ‘Firefly’ dahil matagal nang walang ganitong film na nakasentro sa isang bata,” Alex said.

[Watch 'Firefly' first because it has been a long time since there has been a film centered around a child like this.]

“On December 25 po ipapalabas ang aming pelikulang ‘Firefly’ so please bring the whole family especially itong movie is made for kids,” she added.

[On December 25, our film 'Firefly' will be released, so please bring the whole family, especially since this movie is made for kids.]

"Firefly" is a coming-of-age road trip drama about a young boy who searches for the mythical island described in his mother's bedtime stories.

It also stars Dingdong Dantes, Miguel Tanfelix, Ysabel Ortega, and Yayo Aguila, among others.

—CACM, GMA Integrated News