Today marks the premiere of Brillante Mendoza’s latest film, ‘Moro,’ on Netflix Philippines and across the Asia Pacific.
Inspired by true events and set against the backdrop of the ongoing conflict in Mindanao, the film explores the story of a widowed mother struggling to reconcile her two feuding sons over a disputed piece of land.
Laurice Guillen stars as the resolute mother, while Piolo Pascual and Baron Geisler portray the warring brothers, Jasim and Abdel. Jasim, the diligent elder brother, contrasts sharply with Abdel, the younger sibling who recklessly squanders his savings on gambling.
The cast also features renowned actors Christopher de Leon, Joel Torre, Beauty Gonzalez, Felix Roco, Ina Feleo, Nikki Valdez, Dido dela Paz, Rolando Inocencio, Alvin Lorenz Anson, and Onyl Torres.
Produced by Center Stage Productions and Krisma Maclang Fajardo, ‘Moro’ previously competed at the 28th Busan International Film Festival. Despite its initial rejection from the 2023 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF), the film has garnered significant anticipation and acclaim.
Director Brillante Mendoza, acclaimed for works like ‘Masahista,’ ‘Kinatay,’ ‘Ma’ Rosa,’ ‘Mindanao,’ and ‘Gensan Punch,’ shared the film’s challenging journey. ‘Moro’ began filming before the COVID-19 pandemic, only to be halted for three years due to the outbreak. Reflecting on the project’s completion, Mendoza remarked, “But all the sacrifies and all the challenges are all worth it.”
Filming locations included San Mateo and Tanay, Rizal, with additional research and footage captured in Mindanao to authentically portray the region’s Muslim culture and customs. Mendoza explained, “Actually, this (film) is based on a real-life story of a mother that we met in Mindanao,” direk Brillante told the media. “We went there during the research and we talked to the people there. During the SAF (Special Action Force) 44 (clash), parang what came out in the news isang side lang — the survivors and the SAF 44. But we didn’t hear about the people living there. There were also civilians and marami naman yung mga nandun, not only one group, not only the MILF (Moro Islamic Liberation Front), there’s also the MNLF (Moro National Liberation Front), and others. That one, hindi natin siya narinig. So that’s why this film is an opportunity also to show that there’s the other side of the story. And people from that part of Mindanao also suffered.”
Set in Maguindanao, the film was guided by local communities to accurately depict the area’s culture and language. Beyond its Muslim-themed narrative, ‘Moro’ serves as a social commentary. Piolo Pascual emphasized, “For us to see that it’s kind of microscopic in a sense na hindi na natin kailangang lumaki para makita natin yung sakit na pinagdadaanan ng tao. That’s the gem of this film. You see the struggle of a mother sa pinaglalabanan ng dalawang anak. That’s what direk depicted here and it’s very clear.”
Laurice Guillen added, “There’s the custom, the language and ways that make it different from other cultures but basically it’s unity of the family. The pain that is caused by division and also in a larger scale, the conflict that happened between the Muslims and Christians.”
Baron Geisler reflected on his character’s familial strife, questioning the worth of love, kindness, and understanding amid ongoing disputes. “The question there is, ‘Is it worth our love, our kindness, the understanding? Is it worth the headaches and the fights and the arguments? Because life is too short as the movie showcased. But the land is still there and it will move on forever… it can break lives and the unity goes away. It just speaks about love, kindness and understanding.”
Geisler also shared his gratitude for Piolo Pascual, who played a pivotal role in his casting. After emerging from prison and rehab in 2019, Geisler received a call from Mendoza offering him the role initially intended for Pascual. “This is my first big break in Philippine cinema,” Geisler recalled.
Pascual praised Geisler’s commitment, stating, “Baron is a very committed actor. When he does something, he does it wholeheartedly. I have so much respect for him.”
While filming ‘Moro,’ the two actors, who have known each other since their youth, maintained a strong camaraderie. Geisler humorously recounted moments of jealousy from his wife, who admired Pascual, turning it into a running joke.
‘Moro’ offers a compelling exploration of family dynamics and the impact of conflict, both personal and political. With its powerful storytelling and authentic portrayal of Mindanao’s culture, the film promises to resonate with audiences, showcasing the resilience and humanity of those affected by strife.
