The stars, director, and the movie’s producer, TBA Studios, are all thankful to viewers all over the world for enjoying “Dito at Doon.”
TBA’s president Vincent Nebrida, “Dito at Doon” producer Daphne Chiu, stars Janine Gutierrez, JC Santos, Victor Anastacio, Yesh Burce, Lotlot de Leon and director JP Habac are overjoyed their movie struck a chord with the streaming audience and also got glowing reviews from critics for painting a realistic and heartfelt picture of a slice in the lives of young Filipinos during the pandemic.
“We are grateful to everyone who watched ‘Dito at Doon.’ More than providing entertainment, we wanted the viewers to also find solace in these challenging times by experiencing the story of ‘Dito at Doon’,” said Habac.
It has been receiving love from critics and the public alike since its domestic online release on March 31, with the film being called a “touching and timely romantic tale” with “stellar performances from its lead cast Janine Gutierrez and JC Santos.”
The movie has become available in over 60 countries, including the USA, Canada, and select territories in the Middle East, and North Africa via TBA Play. TBA Play also partnered with international distribution and sales company, TVCO to bring TBA Play contents to key markets in Europe.
TBA Studios’ first pandemic production, “Dito at Doon” enjoyed a lot of firsts – it is the first local film released during the pandemic, the first to be released on five major streaming platforms, extended due to public demand with a simultaneous international release.
Majority of viewers want to know where the stories of Len and Caloy will lead. With the movie’s success and the eagerness of the cast and director to work again, a sequel is a possibility.
Of course, there is also pressure, but of the good kind, said Habac.
“Everytime I have a project laging may pressure kasi feeling kapag hindi na pressure, kailangan mo na kabahan,” said the director.
There is also hesitation, Janine admitted, because there is also beauty in the movie’s uncertain ending.
“Actually I want a part two, pero maganda rin siya on its own,” said the actress, “Pero siyempre gusto ko rin ng part two.”
But part two or not, Janine will continue choosing roles that will enhance her already vibrant list of female characters.
“Ako po ever since I started making films, like yung una kong Cinemalaya and eventually ‘Elise,’ naging mapili na po ako sa projects. I choose a project because I really believe in it.
Gusto ko sya. Sobrang malulungkot ako pag ibang babae ang gumawa. Ganun naman po ako talaga pag pumili ng projects but of course, all the more after ‘Dito at Doon.’ Na ang mga susunod ay kasing ganda pa rin,” she said.
Victor, meanwhile, said he hopes to continue getting meatier roles.
“Sana kasing ganda ng ‘Dito at Doon’ ang role,” he said, “Nakaka spoil naman talaga ang TBA of course, and nagtuloy-tuloy din kasi from ‘Elise’ … ‘Heartful Café,’ parang nagging ganun ang role ko. Comedy role. Sana tuloy-tuloy lang talaga. Wala akong gustong baguhin ngayon [kasi] parang inaappreciate ko lahat.”
