Leo Abaya on development and deception in his directorial debut Instant Mommy

The Filipino filmmaker Leo Abaya’s comedy Instant Mommy takes on the twin themes of love and deception and gives them a funny twist.

Eugene Domingo, left, as Bechay and Yuki Matsuzaki as Kaoru in a scene from Instant Mommy. Courtesy DIFF

The Filipino director Leo Abaya recalls the day when he got word that his film, Instant Mommy, would be screened in the UAE as part of this year’s Dubai International Film Festival.

“I was driving,” he says. “I had to park the car to savour the good news.”

Abaya has come a long way from working as a production designer for films and stage shows to calling the shots on the set. Working with some of the best Filipino directors and writers helped Abaya hone his ability to tell stories and present them through the camera lens – skills that came in handy during the making of his directorial and screenwriting debut project Instant Mommy.

The film, about a wardrobe assistant, Bechay (Eugene Domingo), who resorts to desperate measures after suffering a miscarriage so as to retain the affection and financial support of her Japanese fiancé Kaoru (Yuki Matsuzaki), speaks of deception and the lengths people will go to tilt things in their favour.

Abaya shared with us the inspiration behind the film and the lessons he learnt during his start-up years.

Are you related to the late Filipino director, Marilou Diaz-Abaya?

Not by consanguinity. But I am related to her artistically in the sense that she was an influence, having worked with her as a production and set designer for José Rizal, Muro-ami and Bagong Buwan. Part of my film education came from working on the set with her.

What lessons did you learn while working as a production designer?

It has taught me to keep my cool, not to be confused nor intimidated by personalities and complications that go with making a film. Respect my collaborators, even at times when we disagree. It taught me not to ignore the welfare of the cast and crew and that laughter is the best antidote to stress.

What inspired you to write Instant Mommy?

The script of the film was derived from previous material developed by fellow directors and screenwriters Jeffrey Jeturian and Chris Martinez many years ago. You could say I was inspired by the underlying theme of deception and misunderstanding in their material. I rewrote it to suit my idea – based on my own interpretation of the original theme.

What does Instant Mommy tells us about Filipino society?

The portrayal of the characters and circumstances clearly show the Filipino’s concern for family, love and happiness – even to the point of compromise and sacrifice. Also, our flaw that we like taking shortcuts. But we have dignity. But I guess that is not unique only to Filipinos. The manner by which we, as a people, express it is the thing that makes us unique – our sense of humour.

Considering the weight of the plot, did you intend, right from the start, to give the film a comic treatment?

Not really. Except for the “key parts”, crucial to the theme, everything else in the film is natural and as it happens in real life. Comedy only emerges from the characters and certain situations and not merely for entertainment purposes.

How did the Japanese actor Yuki Matsuzaki bag the role?

After an online audition, the producers and myself unanimously decided by virtue of his credentials and demo reel that he was our Kaoru. It was a challenge considering that among the actors in consideration, he was based farthest from the Philippines – in LA – which we interpreted then as a large expense. But to his credit, Yuki was so committed to the project that he made it happen for us.

What makes Eugene Domingo a favourite among mainstream and independent filmmakers?

For me, Eugene is a good and intelligent interpreter of roles. The words you write really come alive with her. More than that, she is also a good and challenging collaborator. She also has an infectious appeal that is accessible.

Has Instant Mommy been screened elsewhere outside the Philippines?

Before the (Dubai) invitation came, I was really hoping that it will do its rounds within Asia – after its local run. I am happy that it is happening. The film was in Official Selection of the exhibition programme of the 33rd Hawaii International Film Festival (October), the 50th Taipei Golden Horse Film Festival and The World Film Festival (both in November)

• Instant Mommy will be shown at Mall of the Emirates on December 9 at 2.45pm

For all our coverage of the Dubai International Film Festival, go to thenational.ae/diff

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