MANILA, Philippines—Chris Martinez’s screenplays for “Sukob” and “Caregiver” have connected well with moviegoers. In “Bridal Shower” and “Bikini Open,” he made people laugh with his witty dialogue. This year, he wore the director’s hat in the acclaimed Cinemalaya entry, “100,” featuring Mylene Dizon as a cancer-stricken patient trying to fulfill her wish list of 100 things to do before she dies.

Recently, we sat together at the Philippine Independent Film Summit at the CCP. He shared: “I want my films to be seen by many people, so I want them to be accessible, audience-friendly, entertaining but, at the same time, substantial.”

He started dreaming of directing during his college days at UP. “I studied playwriting under Rene Villanueva, who was a big influence on me. He taught me to be passionate and nurture my love for words.”

In “100,” which opens on Dec. 3, you see the use of multiple locations (from the crater of Mt. Pinatubo to Hong Kong), high production values, and a budget comparable to any mainstream studio production. He stresses: “For indie films to attract more viewers, they have to attract the same audience targeted by the studios.”

Biggest challenge

But, he says producing was his biggest challenge. He explains: “The shift from being artists to businessmen isn’t easy. We’re not wired for it. But, we do everything we can! It’s a good thing Star Cinema is supporting us for the promotion and distribution of our movie.”

Would he have given the lead role of ‘100’ to Claudine Barretto, Angel Locsin or Marian Rivera? He laughs, “If we did, it would be the biggest movie of all time. Mas malakas pa sa ‘Sukob’ (Stronger than ‘Sukob’ at the box office). But, Mylene was really our first choice. We like her aura—she’s a pillar of strength, and she’s very independent.”

How will he convince the audience to flock to the theaters in these trying times? He replies: “Our movie won the Audience Choice award at Cinemalaya, and it won the same honor in Korea. ‘100’ is not just entertaining, it will also touch the viewers and make them cry!”