Wearing a metallic nude top and a black mini skirt, actress Janine Gutierrez radiated pride and joy during an intimate interview with select members of the press on Thursday, Sept. 12.
Asked by Manila Standard Entertainment if she felt pressure being the granddaughter of iconic women in the industry, Janine replied, “Of course, there was pressure, but that was before.”
Coming from a family of well-known actors, including grandmothers Nora Aunor and Pilita Corrales, Janine explained that the pressure disappeared once she began making a name for herself in series and films.
Janine had just returned from the 81st Venice Film Festival. Recalling her experience, she spoke about her water taxi ride with the enthusiasm of a child recounting a trip to Disneyland, describing Venice as “magical.”
“When we entered the canal, I thought, ‘This is what Disneyland was trying to imitate.’ I was smiling and laughing to myself, and my companions laughed at me because Venice was just so magical,” Janine said.
Her journey to the festival began as a cast member in multi-awarded director Lav Diaz’s latest project, Phantosmia. Janine proudly represented the country at the festival.
“I felt truly proud to be Filipina. On the red carpet, there was a flag for each nationality at the Venice Film Festival this year. I made sure to take a picture with our flag,” she shared.
“We were a small delegation from the Philippines, but we were treated as equals. During our press conference, we thought, ‘Oh my god, Angelina Jolie had her press conference here the other day.’ It was so much fun that everyone there loves films and actors. It was a happy environment,” she continued.
Janine also revealed that working with Diaz was a “dream come true.”
“I really wanted to work with Direk Lav because I’ve watched his films. I know he’s highly anticipated internationally. His projects are very Filipino but also appreciated by foreign audiences,” she said.
“It was amazing to experience the audience standing and clapping after the screening. Direk Lav is so humble; he’s the type who’s like, ‘Okay, come on,’” she added.
Thinking back on her first international appearance, Janine shared how happy and excited she felt about the experience, explaining how touching it was to be recognized and celebrated by people from around the world.
“It’s such a touching feeling when they’re clapping and standing, and everyone is looking at you. It’s super moving,” Janine said.
Asked if she’s considering a Hollywood career, Janine was clear.
“I prefer to do projects here, like Phantosmia, Lavender Fields, and hopefully, those will be discovered internationally. I’m not interested in moving somewhere else to start a new career. I’d rather have a project outside because of something I did here, like Ms. Dolly [De Leon],” she concluded.
