FROM ELY BUENDIA TO JM IBARRA:

CINEMALAYA HAS LONG BEEN A PLATFORM where artists wade into uncharted waters, often making their firsts as actors, directors or storytellers

- By Nathalie Tomada

This year's 21st edition, happening Oct. 3 to 12 under the theme "Layag sa Alon, Hangin at Unos," is staying true to tradition, with several names proudly taking on new acting challenges — from their debut lead roles to their first time exploring taboo subjects on screen.

For Cinemalaya first-timer JM Ibarra, his experience shooting Tim Rone Villanueva's "Child No. 82" was equal parts excitement and pressure.

The former "Pinoy Big Brother" housemate said taking on his first full-length lead role in the fantasy/dramedy pushed him outside his comfort zone.

In the film, he plays a high schooler who is dead-set on proving he's the son of the country's biggest action-fantasy star.

"Nung una, na-pressure na po agad ako kasi ako po as JM, nakilala po ako na sobrang chill guy," he said. "Pero nung nilatag po sa akin si Max, sobrang kabaliktaran po ng traits meron siya.

"Siguro yung part ni Max na malapit sa akin is yung background ng family niya. So, I really studied the background of the character. At the same time, direk Carlo Catu (acting coach) was there to guide me."

JM, who grew up watching co-star Vhong Navarro's movies with his family, called it a "dream come true" to finally work with the comedian-TV host.

"Ang hirap po pigilan ng tawa kapag ka-eksena si Kuya Vhong. Pero siya rin yung nag-initiate na bigyan ako ng tips para mas makapag-socialize at matuto sa set. I learned a lot from him."

What, nevertheless, weighed on JM the most was just the thought of being part of the country's flagship festival for independent cinema.

"Lagi may pressure sa lahat ng projects. Pero mas malaki po yung pressure sa akin ngayon because it's Cinemalaya," he said.

"I became a fan of Cinemalaya, I think, from 2023. May dalawang entry na napanood ko, pero noong una, hirap po intindihin.