'Die Beautiful' director Jun Robles Lana shares inspiration behind new film as it premieres in Tallin, Estonia
As About Us But Not About Us holds its world premiere this November, Filipino director Jun Robles Lana opens up about mental health, saying he wrote this film as a way to deal with depression.
Announcing the premiere of his new film at the Critics’ Picks competition section of the 2022 Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival, Lana also shared the inspiration behind it on Instagram.
“In the past, I always try to think of my audience every time I make a film. Not with this one. My only goal was simply to save myself," he said.
Lana added that at that time, he was "severely depressed" and was at the "brink of suicide," but instead of reaching out for help, he turned to writing.
"Ashamed to ask for help from anyone, I turned to the one thing that has always given me comfort: writing," he wrote.
When he wrote the film, the Die Beautiful director recalled past childhood traumas, including being molested.
“For three straight days, I wrote without a break, remembering and acknowledging many traumas that stifled me much of my life, including being molested repeatedly as a child,” he revealed.
"Part fiction, and part confessional, the film allowed me to expunge my demons, come to terms with my dark past, and take full control of my narrative. I want to thank my producer and best friend Perci Intalan for his support, understanding, and bravery in allowing this story to be told," Lana added.
Meanwhile, his former partner and the film's producer Perci Intalan posted a tribute for Lana on Facebook.
"This project of Jun Robles Lana is truly an example of how brilliant he is as a writer and a director. I hope one day to screen this here," he wrote, thanking Quantum Films and Atty. Joji Villanueva Alonso for supporting the movie.
Intalan also revealed that the movie poster, which was created by Justin Besana, features the director himself, which apparently, took a lot of convincing.
"It was a big feat to convince him (Lana) that he should be the key image of the poster because of how personal the journey has been for him. But you can see the reflection of our two amazing actors Romnick Sarmenta and Elijah Canlas and you will understand why when you watch it," Intalan added.
Lana is a multi-awarded director and writer. He became the youngest member of the Palanca Hall of Fame in 2006.
Together with Intalan they founded The IdeaFirst Company, which is behind the award-winning films Bwakaw, Die Beautiful, Kalel, 15, and series Gameboys.
