Matteo Guidicelli hopes MMFF's Penduko 'uplifts' Fil traditions, martial arts
By Cynthia Montojo
"It's truly overwhelming and it's big responsibility... I always think about it every night. I tell my wife Sarah Geronimo that this is big thing to hold… Penduko is household name, country's name kumbaga," Matteo Guidicelli shared in press conference essaying 1954 comic book character Pedro Penduko, created by National Artist Francisco Coching, is "very overwhelming" experience for Matteo
Actor -host plays titular role in the movie remake of Penduko, one of official entries at 49th Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) to be shown in cinemas starting on Christmas Day, Dec. 25.
Film is written and directed by Jason Paul Laxamana (100 Tula Para Kay Stella, Between Maybes, Just a Stranger, and He Who Is Without Sin).
"I told my wife that I gave everything here, moment I followed direk's instructions and prepared for film…and hope our kababayans and people watching will enjoy movie." He likewise commended direk JP for being "real driver" of forthcoming flick.
Cast and team behind Penduko were ready to shoot film in first quarter of 2020 but due to pandemic, it was put on hold. Four years later, film will finally be screened in cinemas as part of MMFF official slate this year.
Set in modern day, film revolves around Pedro, young man who possesses mythical and supernatural powers, something that he and his father, Apo Tisot ,played by award-winning actor John Arcilla, have inherited from their ancestors. But unlike Apo Tisot, who uses his gift to help poor and sick, Pedro has other plans for himself.
Pedro leaves his hometown and moves to city to pursue his dreams. With no luck on his side, he starts doing odd jobs to make ends meet, completely wasting his gift and potential.
But all is set to change when secret organization owned by Gat Blanco (Albert Martinez) hires him as an albularyo agent, where he further hones his talent. He impresses people by his skills but at the same time, makes others jealous.
Force of powerful witchcraft also comes and endangers lives of many, including ones closest to Pedro. He then uses all skills he has to fight evil and makes unexpected enemies in process. Will he be everybody's new hero,or will he fail to save day?
Matteo talked more about Penduko, how he resonated with his character and how MMFF stays relevant in this age of streaming.
"It was process prepared in different aspects, different levels but main objective was to go on set free, liberated (and) reactive to what was happening…yes, it's full of action, it's family drama film, he's hero but not coming into picture as hard hero... No.he is hero," he said of Pedro.
Matteo further described him as someone who is "passionate, always has that charisma, tough, driven."
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