“Moneyslapper” overcame numerous challenges to finally premiere at the QCinema International Film Festival.
A man who won a huge lottery pot returns to his hometown to repay old debts and exact revenge on those who wronged him. Such logline doesn’t capture the breadth and the whole experience when one watches “Moneyslapper,” the movie starring John Lloyd Cruz and directed by Bor Ocampo.
How did this brave and ambitious project come about? It is very different and compelling? How did the creators envision the film to be?
Director Bor Ocampo said, “Our project started sometime in 2016, pre-presidential election time, and the initial two drafts of the script were given to me by Jason Paul Laxamana, a fellow Kapampangan filmmaker. Later on the script was developed and was co-written by Palanca awardee Norman
‘Iwa’ Wilwayco, and I legally acquired it the following year, while simultaneously searching for a grant. I remember I even submitted it to QCinema and the script made it to the semis, but we unfortunately didn’t make it to the finals.
“Consequently, an ‘angel funder’ surprisingly approached me on social media which then changed the whole creative process of ‘Moneyslapper.’ He introduced himself and told me that he was able to watch my first feature film ‘Dayang Asu’ (Dognation), and that he immensely appreciated it. I was surprised and kind of flattered. Then he asked me to meet him personally and I obliged of course.
“We eventually met somewhere in Pampanga in a car park of a certain mall. That time, he didn’t look like the typical affluent person because he was young, very modest looking, when in fact he could be the real-life ‘Moneyslapper’ we were trying to make a film about.
“Naalala ko, kasama ko ang aking ina noon, naputol ang pag-uusap namin dahil kailangan kong samahan ang nanay ko para maghanap ng cage-free eggs sa ibang grocery. Ang sabi ko sumama na lang siya sa amin kung gusto niya. I urged him to come and ride with us in our old car para makapagkwentuhan pa kami, and he easily agreed. We were able to continue our chat about filmmaking and how passionate he is about Filipino films and world cinema.”
After their initial meeting, the “angel funder” reached out again, curious about what Direk Bor was working on. When the director mentioned he was busy with a feature script, he asked to read it. Direk Bor sent it over, and a few days later, they met up again. To the director’s surprise, the “angel funder” loved the story — so much that he even shared it with his mother, a teacher, who also enjoyed it. He then asked the director, “Sir, magkano ang kailangan para mai-produce ito?” — and, as they say, the rest is history.
The project came with a lot of challenges, Direk Bor related,.“We practically started shooting in May 2022 despite the strict pandemic protocols during that time. I’m happy that the production crew managed to apply the decent working hours in our set. After experiencing unfair labor practices in the past, I really tried to practice ethical filmmaking this time. Initially, our executive producer didn’t want to be acknowledged at all in the film credits. But just recently, I asked him to come out in time for our world premiere at the QCinema, as this could be a once-in-a-lifetime endeavor. His name is GQ Patawaran. A million thanks to him for producing and giving this film a chance. Also, I’m just grateful that QCinema International Film Festival chose us for this year. “
Director Bor shared how John Lloyd Cruz (JLC) became involved with the project. He recounted how his former line producer, Mikee Dela Cruz, connected him with JLC through director Lav Diaz. After reading the script, JLC invited them to his home, where their discussion focused less on the script and more on the film industry and their shared ideas on improving production practices. Over time, they talked about JLC’s creative journey and navigating the script with his former management. Eventually, JLC informed them he couldn’t continue with the project, not wanting to cause delays, and even offered to help find a replacement for the role of Daniel. Despite opening auditions, they struggled to find an actor who could fully capture Daniel’s depth and credibility.
A few months later in 2019, JLC reached out again, inviting the director to meet at the UP Vargas Museum. With no specific expectations, the director listened as JLC shared his thoughts. Although the details of their conversation are unclear, one thing was certain: for JLC, it felt like a “full circle” moment.
“Binalikan niya ang character ni Daniel or binalikan siya ni Daniel, and I guess he was compelled by what the story is trying to tell or teach us (personally),” recalled the director.
And so JLC accepted the project not just as an actor. Direk Bor referred to him as a co-creative producer. “
From the get-go, I knew what he wanted. He expressed how passionate and fond he is about the whole process and journey in making the film with us. It wasn’t about his career as a popular actor anymore, but rather his art making and living his own way of life,” said Direk Bor.
Although the movie is now being showcased at the QCinema International Film Festival, it has overcome several obstacles in its journey. Direk Bor mentioned having to rebuild the production team three times due to the numerous hurdles over the past seven years, which led to increased costs. The casting process was equally tough, especially finding the right actress for the role of Jessa, which took almost two years before Jasmine Curtis-Smith was cast. He expressed satisfaction with Jasmine’s performance, saying it exceeded his expectations. The same went for Mercedes Cabral, who played Precious.
“Sa usaping distribution naman. Patuloy ang struggle sa pagpupursiging maipalabas nga ang pelikula sa mga sinehan sa buong bansa,” said Direk Bor, “Malaking tulong itong QCinema, ngunit kailangan pang pagsikapan ang mga susunod pang pagpapalabas sa mga sinehan para sana mas marami pang mga kababayan natin ang makapanood nito.”
Remaining screenings for “Moneyslapper” will be on November 15 at 6:50 p.m. at Shangri-la Plaza Cinema and on November 17 at 2:25 p.m. at Gateway 2 Cineplex 15.
Direk Bor wrapped up our interviews by admitting that, “I may have done socio-political films in the past, but this particular story chose me. It evolved into something bigger than my desire to create a film, and our intention is to just share it with you all. I think it ends there. May sarili na siyang buhay pagkatapos itong maipalabas, at kung magkaroon man ng saysay sa mga makakanood nito, then that’s already up to them. Maraming salamat. As a producer, ang hangad ko lang ay ang mabigyan ng pagkakataon na maipalabas ang ‘Moneyslapper’ sa buong bansa, because this film is made primarily for my fellow Filipinos.”
