Mentorque producer Bryan Dy reveals another Vilma Santos-Recto film on the horizon

Producer Bryan Dy of Mentorque has disclosed that he has proposed several movie projects for Star for All Seasons  Vilma Santos-Recto, but more needs to be confirmed.

In a significant development, Bryan shared during a recent Zoom meeting with the entertainment press that he had a private meeting with the veteran star.

“Wala pa kaming napagkasunduan pero may mga na-discuss na akong mga project sa kanya,” Bryan said. (We haven’t agreed on anything yet but I have already discussed some projects with her.)

However, Bryan mentioned that one of his suggested projects was a thriller, which piqued Ate Vi’s interest. Incidentally, Vilma shared a picture of her meeting with Bryan on social media.’

“Sa totoo lang, ang gustong gawin ni Ate Vi na next project ay yung role na hindi pa raw niya gagawa. So mag mga meeting pa kaming gagawin. Tignan natin kung ano ang mangyayari,” the producer said.

(Actually, what Ate Vi wants to do in the next project is the role that she has not done yet. So we will have more meetings. I’d like to see what happens.)

Bryan declined to comment on the rumored project for Ate Vi that would be submitted to the Metro Manila Film Festival.

Ate Vi was last seen in the MMFF 2023 romantic drama movie When I Met You In Tokyo, for which she won Best Actress.

Bryan added: Nasa early stage pa ‘yung sa amin and gusto namin na talagang lutong-luto na iyong movie with Ate Vi. Holistic approach, kaya more on focus kami sa quality ng pelikula with Ate Vi.

“Ang dami rin niyang insights that were so honored na isini-share niya sa amin​. “Then sa mga makakasama niya, sisiguraduhin naman naming walang tulak kabigin sa kanil​a,” the producer said.

Bryan said that it would be a dream come true to work with Ate Vi.

“It’s a dream na makatrabaho ang isang Vilma Santos. Kaya ako, aral nang aral din. Kasi her brand value is way bigger than any film that she will be doing moving forward.

“Kaya ‘yung pagiging metikuloso at detalyado, kailangan mo rin mag-adapt. Kaya ako sobrang masaya, we were able to sit down together na sa wakas,” Bryan also said.

Mentorque is the film production behind the horror flick Mallari, which became one of the blockbuster movies during the annual MMFF last year. The movie stars Piolo Pascual and Janella Salvador.

Inspired by chilling true events, Mallari narrates the haunting tale of Fr. Severino Mallari, a 19th-century priest whose descent into madness unfolded during the Spanish occupation. The film delves into Fr. Mallari’s life and work as a parish priest in Pampanga, where he tragically succumbed to darkness, reportedly committing murders to aid his ailing mother.

This chilling period horror unfolds across three interwoven timelines – the Spanish colonial era, the post-war period, and the present day – with Piolo masterfully portraying a different character in each, adding remarkable depth to the storytelling.

When asked if there are plans to shoot Mallari Part 2, Bryan said: “Iyong ‘Mallari Part 2’ is always there, open ako riyan at sinadya namin na talagang mayroon siyang Part 2.” (‘Mallari Part 2’ is always there; I’m open to that, and it’s meant to have Part 2.)

Bryan said he learned a lot from the Mallari and the Hollywood film studio Warner Bros and Mentorque partnership.

“Our film industry is struggling, ako ang dami kong natutunan when we went to Hollywood. So, were trying to apply, step by step. Kung paano ba natin mae-expor. Kasi kaya naman tayo gumagawa ng pelikula, we have the Filipino audience. Pero matagal na nating struggle e. We wanted to breakout also to the world,” he added. — Robert Requintina