Interviews

Ruelo Lozendo on Kolorete
from the Cinema One Originals 2008 Catalog

How did the idea for Kolorete come to you?

I originally wanted to do a zombie musical, but I wanted an indigenous theme. So I put the concept of zombie in the context of Philippine history, where it could be said that zombies existed in our country. And it was during the Spanish period that many Filipinos lived like zombies, shackled and dead in spirit.

How is Kolorete different from other films set in the colonial era?

It is not based on actual history, but is historical in the sense that it tackles the struggle of people in a small town during the Spanish occupation. Instead of grand and epic portrayal of history, the film focuses on a small ripple in the pond, a small scale-struggle in history.

My treatment takes inspiration from the early silent Filipino films - black and white, heavy make-up, and musical (based on zarzuelas).

What did you learn about the craft of filmmaking (and about yourself) in the process of making Kolorete?

I have learned to accept the fact that a filmmaker should be always open-minded and open to changes and suggestions. He should never be restrained by pre-planned script and storyboards. Writing the film is never finished with the writing of the screenplay.

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