It serves as Alessandra de Rossi’s GMA-7 comeback after seven years
After seven years, Alessandra de Rossi is part of another GMA-7 project.
She plays one of the main characters in GMA Pictures and GMA Public Affairs’ entry to the Metro Manila Film Festival 2023, “Firefly.”
In the movie, Alessandra plays Elay, the mother of Tonton (Euwenn Mikaell) who tells bedtime stories about a firefly and a mythical island where one can make any wish upon seeing the light of a thousand fireflies.
“Firefly” breaks the streak of Alessandra’s movies that tackle romance and are usually seen on streaming sites. It also serves as her first time to do a project in GMA-7 after her last project with them in 2016, the afternoon series “Wish I May.”
According to Alessandra, it was the film’s director, Zig Dulay, that ultimately made her say yes to the project.
She says of Zig, “Siyempre, gusto mong balikan yung masayang pakikipagtrabaho sa kaibigan mo na magaling, masaya kasama.”
But what also got her excited is playing a simple character, compared to the looks of her recent films where she played a leading lady.
“Maganda talaga yung kwento, so sabi ko, ‘Game, balik tayo [sa dating look]. ‘Pwede po bang mag-blush on?’ Charot! Baka kasi masira yung leading lady ‘tapos bumalik ka sa indie look, Alex!”
READ ALSO: Why Alessandra de Rossi No Longer Wants To Do TV Projects?
Alessandra also reveals that she has long been dreaming of doing a heartwarming film after doing a string of romance projects.
“Matagal ko na gusto gumawa ng pelikula na may bida na bata na touching, heartwarming, so perfect ito.”
But when asked if it’s easier to work with a child actor than a leading man, Alessandra quips, “Mas madali yung leading men! Charot!
“Okay naman si Euwenn. Siyempre, iba kasi yung timing ng bata.”
Why Alessandra in the role of Elay?
During a recent roundtable interview with the creators of “Firefly,” screenwriter Angeli Atienza revealed that it was instantly Alessandra that came to her mind while she was writing the script.
She shares, “Actually, habang sinusulat ko ito, siya talaga yung nai-imagine ko.
“’Tapos si Zig pa yung director, e, napanood ko yung movie nila together so sabi ko, si [ay] Alex si Elay.
“Pero mas ano siya dito, yung nanay na spunky kasi yung character ni Alex dito, hindi siya yung tipikal na nanay na istrikto, ibang klase siyang nanay, e. Ine-encourage niya talaga [yung anak niya] to go, so, Alex na Alex.”
Angeli also explained the inspiration behind the film, which she first conceptualized the movie way back in 2019.
“Siguro, pinaka-basic niya as a mother, lagi kong iniisip kung ano yung iiwan mo sa anak mo, ano yung kakapitan kapag wala ka. Di ba, kumakapit sila sa words ng mga magulang?
“Na-realize ko yan sa anak ko, naniniwala siya kahit anong sabihin ko. Dapat something to inspire and arm your children pagka sila na lang, which is yun yung gagawin ng bata [sa movie], e. Magta-travel alone, sinusundan niya yung words ng nanay niya.”
Angeli and Nessa Valdellon, Senior Vice President of GMA Pictures, also revealed that pre-production commenced in 2019, before the pandemic.
Meanwhile, director Zig Dulay promises that viewers who will watch “Firefly” are in for a visual treat.
“It’s a road movie. Sabay-sabay naming hinanap yung isla. May specific doon sa kwento so papunta talaga siya ng Bicol, Sorsogon, Albay.
“Lagi namin ipinagmamalaki na cinema feels kasi sinubukan namin na i-capture yung totoong lugar. Nami-miss kasi namin yung mga pelikula na nauna pa, lalong-lalo na yung location na kita mo talaga, ramdam mo talaga.
“Doon sa kwento din kasi, dahil doon sa kwento ng nanay doon sa bata, feeling niya totoo lahat ng mga lugar na ito. So, doon sa byahe, parang kinapture, kinuha talaga yung kung paano kwinento ng nanay niya as real as possible.”
“Firefly,” which also stars Sparkle talents Max Collins, Miguel Tanfelix and Ysabel Ortega, as well as veteran stars Epy Quizon, Yayo Aguila, and Cherry Pie Picache, is one of the 10 films showing on December 25 for MMFF.
Dingdong Dantes also plays a vital role in the film as the grown-up Ton.
READ: Here’s What You Need To Know About MMFF 2023 Entries
“Firefly” advance screening
Meanwhile, GMA Pictures and GMA Public Affairs held a screening for “Firefly” on Tuesday, December 12, at SM North EDSA The Block.
The cast, including Alessandra, Euwenn, Miguel, Ysabel, Epy, Yayo, and Cherry Pie, were present.
Max received support from her good friend, Miss Universe Philippines 2023 Michelle Dee.
Sparkle stars Barbie Forteza and Radson Flores were also in attendance.
GMA News and Public Affairs personalities like Jessica Soho and Atom Araullo, as well as National Artist Ricky Lee, also made time to see the film in advance.
Banner Art Dani Sison
