Today, with the likes of Denis Villeneuve ( Blade
Runner 2049 ), Steven Sodebergh ( The Girlfriend
Experience ), and Bong Joon Ho ( Snowpiercer )
cited as personal influences, Red’s films have
distinguished themselves with their unflinching
looks at Philippine society’s seedier aspects.
25 years old at the time of this interview, Red is a decade-long
veteran of the industry, having worked his way through the
ranks with practice, hard work and sheer, unadulterated passion
for his craft.
“I started making films as early as 15, and I was lucky to
immediately get recognition locally and internationally,” says
Red. “During my teenage years I was competing in Cinemanila,
Gawad CCP, Cinemalaya, and other festivals abroad, I would
use prize money to finance my next short film. Finally when I
turned 20, I convinced myself to try and submit a feature length
screenplay… It took me a decade of practice before I really
gained support, my experience was hard earned and I was patient
before finally getting my big break with Birdshot.
Red’s third film, Neomanila, has scored awards for Best
Cinematography, Best Artistic Achievement and Audience Choice
at the recently-concluded QCinema International Film Festival, but
it is his sophomore effort, Birdshot that experienced a resurgence in
the headlines thanks to its being vetted as the Philippine entry to
the 2018 Academy Awards for Best Foreign Picture.
Kanto caught up with Mikhail Red to hear his thoughts on
life, filmmaking, and the importance of following one’s dreams.
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