• ANDREW ALTAREJOS
Friday afternoon was like a reunion for Negrense film director and several homegrown talents, as part of this much talked about film “Love Child”, a Jonathan Jurilla’s directorial debut movie, which is showing in cinemas nationwide.
It was a simple gathering with a red carpet for the screening of the film at the SM City Cinema in Bacolod City, including a meet and greet with Negrense writer and director Jonathan Jurilla, together with child actor John Tyrron Ramos and other Negrense actors who were part of the casting in this movie.
Love Child, which is based on the writer/director’s (Jonathan Jurilla) personal experience as a father of a child diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, the film stars RK Bagatsing as the father, Paolo, who along with his wife Ayla (Jane Onieza), and their son Kali, played by John Tyrron Ramos.
After learning that their son was diagnosed with autism, the young and unmarried couple were devastated but had to face the bitter reality of raising a child with special needs in a country less than ideal – challenging both their dream of having a complete and harmonious family.
The writer/director, who aims to make a story that reflects a more authentic experience of families navigating autism, filmed the movie from his home province in the cities of Silay, Talisay, and Bacolod.
Present during the meet and greet were film cast: Milton Dionzon (as Manong Boni), Mai Montelibano (as SPED Principal), Jaden Biel Fernandez (as Milo), Chart Motus (as Milo’s Lola), Jing Torrecampo (as hospital patient’s mom), Mary Jane Quilisadio (as Manang Maring), Mandy Alimon (as Hospital Doctor), John Tyrron Ramos (as Kali), Tey Sevilleno (as Nanay Marites), and film director Jonathan Jurilla.
The film will definitely awaken the viewers’ perspective on autism, showing them the importance of understanding and empathizing with children with special needs.
The movie will run until tomorrow, September 3 at SM City Cinema and Ayala Capitol Central in Bacolod City.*
