“Star for All Seasons” Vilma Santos once confronted someone live on television who she felt was spewing falsehood about her son Luis.
“When I get mad, sabi ko nga, ako magkakatimpi pa, but pag ang anak ko na — teka muna. Sandali, wag, wag ganyan,” she recalled
“Hinamon ko talaga… I will really fight and do anything for my children.”
This display of maternal protectiveness is reflected in her latest film, “Uninvited,” where she plays a mother determined to avenge her daughter’s murder.
Produced by Bryan Diamante’s Mentorque Productions, “Uninvited” is an entry in this year’s Metro Manila Film Festival. This dark, intense film explores themes of justice and abuse as Santos’s character embarks on a relentless quest for vengeance. “A mother will do anything for her child. I would do the same for my children,” she said, underscoring the universal nature of her character’s maternal instincts.
The concept of the film originated from an idea Ate Vi had nurtured over the years. In a recent candid interview at Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar in Quezon City, the renowned actress revealed her long-held dream of directing, inspired by filmmakers like Marilou Diaz-Abaya and Laurice Guillen. “Gusto kong gumawa ng isang pelikula na parang nangyari lang ng twenty-four hours. Parang sa imagination ko, gusto kong mag-umpisa siya ng maganda. Tapos gusto ko bandang huli padumi sya ng padumi,” she shared.
Through collaboration with director Dan Villegas and writer Dodo Dayao, “Uninvited” was realized.
Santos describes her role in the film as a challenging, transformative experience. “It’s a dark film, but it’s very meaningful,” she noted. “A nanay will do anything and everything for her children… gagawin nya lahat.”
The film not only explores personal themes of maternal love but also broader societal issues like justice and abuse, making it universally relevant. “We also talk about justice and abuse. ‘Yung mga nangyayari sa lipunan ‘di ba? So may relevance na,” she added.
Working under Villegas’s direction, Ate Vi found the process to be a new and unique experience. She praised the director’s quiet yet powerful approach.
She recalls how he challenged her to deliver three distinct reactions in a single shot. “Kailangan magawa mo in one scene… ganun gusto niya makita,” she said, admitting the difficulty of the task. “Hindi ganun kadali kaya hindi ako kumo-commit sa kanya… I will try, Direk, I will try.”
Despite her extensive career, Santos remains humble and open to learning from directors. “Even at sixty-two years in the movies, I still learn from my directors,” she reflected, acknowledging the contributions of directors who shaped her journey, from Lino Brocka to Ishmael Bernal, and now, Dan Villegas.
The conversation turns to her role as a mother. Of all her roles in life, it is safe to say that being a mom takes precedence. “Gawin niyo na lahat sa akin – lahat. ‘Wag ang mga anak ko!” she asserts, illustrating the fierce love she has for her children.
Her unwavering devotion to her children is rooted in her identity as a mother. “At 72 years old, ang fulfillment ng buhay ko ‘yung pagiging inay,” she says. “As a mom, as a mother, I will do anything for my children.”
She continues to cherish her role as a mother, noting how her children, Lucky and Ryan, carry the values of love, respect, and family. “Even Lucky ngayon may pamilya na, ‘di ba? I love you, Lucky, ngayon siya, I love you, nadadala nya, ‘di ba?” she adds, expressing how Luis is a doting dad to daughter Peanut and devoted husband to actress Jessy Mendiola.
Looking ahead to 2025, Santos shares plans to reenter politics. “Yes, I filed my candidacy… I will be campaigning as governor again of Batangas, and my son, Lucky, will be my vice and Ryan being the congressman of Lipa,” she said. Her dedication to her family and community is evident as she sets her sights on another chapter in her life. “It’s not easy working in government, but I feel called to serve again. I’ve been in public service for 24 years, and I’m ready for another term, especially since the people have asked me to return,” she affirmed.
“Uninvited’s” exploration of a mother’s love and sacrifice mirrors the strength and determination that Vilma Santos herself exemplifies — both as a mother and as an actress who continues to evolve with every role she takes on. In the film, Ate Vi channels her real-life devotion and fierce protectiveness into a powerful role that resonates deeply with her personal beliefs. She is joined in the film by fellow award winners Aga Muhlach and Nadine Lustre.
“Uninvited” opens in theaters on Christmas Day, along with the other Metro Manila Film Festival 2024 entries.
