'Lam-Ang' Director Ana Agabin Says Local Viewers Looking For Something New And Different Will Like Her Film On The Ilocano Epic Hero

HOW DOES Director Ana Agabin assess Rocco Nacino's performance in the title role of Lam-ang? “We’re all very happy with him. He got the character down pat. Actually, I didn’t know him before he took the audition. Then someone said, yung nasa ‘Sayaw ng Dalawang Paa’. Sabi ko, di ba malambot yun? Other actors already tried out, but wala kaming magustuhan. Then he came and did some improvised exercises. Nagulat ako, it’s like Lam-ang jumped out alive from the script I wrote. As you’ve seen in the rushes, he looks so good on screen, swak na swak talaga siya as Lam-ang.” See article, Rocco Nacino Taken To A Hospital In Vigan After Having Allergic Reactions To Ants' Eggs.

As a folk epic, “Biag ni Lam-ang” was just transferred orally from one generation to another. In the film, she chose to set the story in the 1600s. “It was at the time the Spaniards were trying to conquer the ethnic tribes in the mountains. Lam-ang is the first and ultimate Filipino action hero.”

Based on the rushes, they don’t seem to be doing a cheap indie flick. “We’re still indie because it’s not a formula movie na romantic comedy or love story. We don’t have big name bankable stars and we have no backing from any major studio or network. Most of the people working on the film are doing it not for the money but because they believe in the material. I think we have viewers who are looking for something new, different in local films. Even now, we are already getting calls from various schools saying they’re waiting for the film to be completed as it’s part of our history and culture. We’re all excited about it.”