Why veteran stars agreed to be directed by Alessandra De Rossi in one-shot film

The veteran actors of VIVA Films’ “Everyone Knows Every Juan” described their director, Alessandra De Rossi, as someone who knew exactly what to do on set and brought a sense of humor to the atmosphere.

- CHARMIE JOY PAGULONG

The drama-comedy movie, now showing in cinemas, delves into the chaotic, lovehate nature of a Filipino family. “Everyone Knows Every Juan” marks Alessandra’s second film as a director after “My Amanda” in 2021.

According to the media release, the story is about The Sevilla Siblings, played by Edu Manzano, Ruby Ruiz, Gina Alajar, Ronnie Lazaro, Joel Torre and Alessandra, who gather at their ancestral home following the first death anniversary of their mother, Juaning Sevilla, portrayed by Liza Lorena.

With the glaring differences in status and personalities, the siblings have become estranged, and each of them is keeping a secret that can permanently ruin their already strained relationships.

One secret, however, cannot be kept for long and is the reason why they are gathered in the first place: Rose had their mother’s body exhumed for an autopsy report.

Everyone erupts in anger, but the autopsy report is seen to clear up the circumstances surrounding their mother’s death, especially because there are other people in their midst: Anna (Angeli Bayani), Juaning’s former caretaker and an escapee from a mental hospital; Jacob (Kelvin Miranda), Juaning’s gardener, who has an unexpected claim to the ancestral house; and Alfred, Raquel’s live-in partner, who insists on letting Jacob defend himself as the family questions his true intentions and involvement.

Soon, deep-seated issues surface, more shocking secrets are revealed, and their ancestral house is at the point of crumbling down, just like their fragile bonds.

“Everyone Knows Every Juan” also stars JM De Guzman, with a special participation of Empoy Marquez, Jaime Fabregas and many others.