Past Cinema One Originals directors Dan Villegas and Antoinette Jadaone remarked that the film festival paved the way for them to breathe life to their stories on the big screen. The directors recounted their journey in the independent film festival and how it helped them reach their dreams as filmmakers.

For director Dan, joining Cinema One Originals helped him find his voice as a director.  "Ang Cinema One Originals kasi isa siya sa mga festivals na nagbibigay ng grant. It’s a chance for them to express what they want. Doon mo madi-discover kung paano ka gumawa ng pelikula, ano ‘yung voice mo," he stated.

The first time Dan worked with Cinema One Originals was when he produced the critically acclaimed film "That Thing Called Tadhana." Afterwards, he joined the film festival again, but this time as the director of the musical drama movie "Changing Partners."  

"Mahirap mag-shoot ng musical kasi paulit-ulit so iba din siyang disiplina, ibang language, pero na-enjoy ko siya. Ang saya niyang process. Nagkaroon ako ng chance na maglaro lang, gawin lang natin 'yung gusto natin, i-kwento lang natin 'yung kwento ng dalawang taong ito, so iba, masaya lang siya," he relayed.

When asked what makes him "original" in relation to this year's theme, "I Am Original," the director said, "I am original because shino-shoot ko lang siya as it is eh. Walang halong ek-ek. Parang ano 'yung feelings, iyon na 'yun."

Meanwhile, director Antoinette recounted how Cinema One Originals opened the doors for her to helm her very first film. "Ang Cinema One Originals nagbigay siya ng opportunities sa baguhan na filmmakers na may mga kwento na hindi mapro-produce kung outside of the Philippine independent scene. Super natulong ng Cinema One Originals sa akin nong nag-produce ito ng first film ko ever, 'yung ‘Six Degrees of Separation from Lilia Cuntapay.’ Until nasulat ko 'yung ‘That Thing Called Tadhana’," she said.   

Director Antoinette shared that when she makes a movie, she always follows her gut feel. "Kapag nagdi-direct ako, always by instinct. Kung ano 'yung gut feel ko. I am really fickle-minded. Nagpapalit ako ng isip talaga," she stated. She further relayed, "'Yung experience namin sa Cinema One Originals will always be memorable. I am original because I always try to celebrate my individuality."

Catch the newest set of directors and their movies at this year’s Cinema One Originals, happening from October 12 to 21. Just like Dan and Antoinette, the new set of directors will surely touch your hearts with their heart-wrenching and thought-provoking films, with the mission to further elevate the Philippine movie scene.