Shaina Magdayao: From Cannes Film Festival to New York Asian Film Festival Jury

Shaina Magdayao is not a newbie when it comes to film festivals.

The former child actress from Quezon City has been to international festivals like Cannes, Locarno, Berlinale, Tokyo and Busan where her films have been screened and competed.

In last year's Busan International Film Festival, she graced events with Song Kang Ho of "Parasite," Lee Byung Hun of "Squid Game" and "Mr. Sunshine," and Yoo Teo of "Past Lives."

A regular in internationally acclaimed director Lav Diaz's films, Magdayao was in Locarno with Diaz when their movie "Essential Truths of the Lake," was featured in the Locarno Main Competition.

She also wowed international audiences with her performance in the Lav Diaz movie and Cannes entry, "The Halt (Ang Hupa)," and his Berlinale Main Competition masterpiece, "Season of the Devil (Ang Panahon ng Halimaw)," which won in the Cartagena Film Festival and the local FAMAS Awards.

Known for her dramatic roles in film and television, Magdayao is the youngest of four siblings, including Filipino actress-singer Vina Morales. Magdayao's presence is also felt in her shows on the streaming platform giants Netflix and Amazon Prime.

The lovely and charming 34-year-old actress continues to work with industry-producing stalwarts, Bianca Balbuena and Bradley Liew, who have brought films to Sundance, Berlin, Cannes, Venice, Toronto, Locarno, Busan, Tokyo and other big film festivals in the world.

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Adding a new feather to her cap, Magdayao was recently invited to be a member of the jury at the 23rd New York Asian Film Festival which will be held at the Film at Lincoln Center (FLC) from July 12 to 22 and at the SVA Theatre from July 22 to 28.

Representing the Philippines as part of the Uncaged Competition, Magdayao will be with other esteemed jury members such as Tony Bui (Vietnamese-U.S. director, "Three Seasons"), Shao-yi Chen (Taiwan Screenworks Asia producer, Screenworks Asia), Felix Tsang (Hong Kong's Golden Scene Sales & Acquisitions Manager), Nonkul Chanon Santinatornkul (Thai star of the box office hit "Bad Genius"), and Aliza Ma (Head of Programming, the Criterion Channel).

Asked how she felt being invited to be an international festival juror, Magdayao said, "Since this is my first time attending NYAFF and being requested to serve as part of a film jury, I must admit that I'm a little anxious but definitely very excited.

"Despite our busy jury schedule, I'm looking forward to our daily film screenings and the jury's discussions and deliberations since I know I'll be learning a lot from the Asian filmmakers who will also be there.

"I owe a debt of gratitude to my mentors in the film industry, Lav Diaz my director and Bianca Balbuena my producer, for introducing me to international cinema and elevating my respect for our craft and this profession.

"Truly humbled and honored to represent our country at this point in my life and career. Wherever He takes me and however I can serve Him best, I guess."

Recently, we saw her at the 77th Cannes Film Festival where her short film, "Walay Balay," directed by Eve Baswel from the Philippines and Gogularaajan Rajenbdran from Malaysia, was featured at the Directors' Fortnight Factory, spotlighting the Philippines. "Expats" actress Ruby Ruiz was also featured in the movie.

It was her second time in Cannes. The first time was in 2019 for Lav Diaz's "Ang Hupa (The Halt)."

"But this one's very different and special because it's Cannes Directors' Fortnight Factory," she said. "It's a different experience compared to Direct Lab, where we filmed. This was more of an experience because they gave a chance to Filipino filmmakers to partner with four Southeast Asian filmmakers.

"It's a first-time experience and I must say very fortunate. At the same time, this kind of festival gives Filipinos an opportunity to be proud. I always brag when I'm at festivals. I say that we have very talented Filipino filmmakers. But not everyone gets the chance. So, to be given the chance by the Directors' Fortnight, that's a huge privilege. And of course, I'm happy for the Filipino filmmakers."

On working with "Expats" actress Ruby Ruiz, she said, "I requested her when I read in the script that I have a mother. Because I've worked with Ruby Ruiz before in 'The Better Half' television series and our working relationship became good. And not only that, but I also see her flourishing now in her international career. I thought that this would be a great help for her exposure because I know that it will premiere at the Cannes Film Festival.

"When she called me, she said she was not available. I was so nervous. I used my friendship card. I told her, I have a mother in this film, and I really believe that you are the right person to portray it. She said, my schedule here is just for four days. And then, luckily, they gave us a few days. So, we were able to film it."

As for working with budding filmmakers Baswel and Rajendran, she said, "It's fun because they bring out the best in each other. Their styles are very different. One is spiritual, more emotional, and the other is technical. But they found common ground, and the result was good. I'm very proud of our film. And maybe it brings out the humanity that no matter what race you are, no matter where you are in the world, you can all relate to each other because we are all human.

"So, I witnessed that because they really connect background-wise, whatever the message of the film is that they want to convey. It's all about finding home. And in the end, it's not really about the place, it's really about the company, the people you are with. So, me and my mother in the film, Ruby Ruiz, even though we don't have a house, because there's a war there, we found our home in each other."

Director Baswel, in our earlier interview with her, told us about Magdayao and Ruiz, "It was very easy working with them because they are very technical. It was magical to see them act. It is so seamless, so natural. You don't feel that they are acting. Sometimes we would cry after a heavy scene because it feels so real."

So, what is she looking forward to here in Cannes, we asked. "I didn't expect too much because I was overwhelmed. To be honest, when I got to experience this in 2019, I didn't think I would come back here. But God is good. He's very generous. I'm surrounded by generous filmmakers and producers like Epicmedia.

"Now, we're here at the tent of the Philippines and Singapore. So, Bradley Liew and Bianca Balbuena of Epicmedia partnered with Dominique Welinski of France and founder of DW production company, for the Directors Factory: Philippines.

"It's hard, our life back home, but we have angels around us who help us pave the way, like Epicmedia. So, not only are they my producers, but they've become my friends throughout the years. The first ever international film festival that I was invited to was in Berlinale. It was produced by Epicmedia Company because of Lav Diaz. That was 2017."

But one thing that brings giggles and makes her eyes light up is when she saw her idol Meryl Streep at the Cannes Film Festival.

"I was overwhelmed!" she exclaimed. "I was really nervous when I saw her. I also did not expect that. I didn't know that she was going to give a talk. But then when my producer said that she was talking, she got me a seat. And I know that not all people get a seat.

"So, I'm very lucky as an actress. She's one of my heroes. She is the best actress in the world. But earlier, her personality came out. She's very humble. And they were asking her professional questions about work and everything. It's surreal for me because honestly, I watch her videos on YouTube. Of course, we have a lot of artists there, but to see her in front of me, talking, I feel like it's my birthday. So far, it's sweeter the second time around."

—MGP, GMA Integrated News