Why Paul Soriano Deserves To Be MMFF 2017's Best Director

Some people first knew of Paul Soriano as multimedia actress Toni Gonzaga's partner. As the husband of a celebrity with such a huge following, it's inevitable for him to be thrusted into the spotlight in showbiz. But Paul deserves the limelight he's been getting, because he is an artist himself. He has made himself known as a director whose films likewise deserve their share of spotlight. His creativity and ingenuity is undeniable. It's about time he becomes a household name in Philippine filmography. It's high time people know him as Paul Soriano, one of the best local directors today.

 

as my son would say “WOW” Thank you Thank you MMFF for these awards and recognitions, Im so humbled and grateful. TEAM SIARGAO we did it, our little film won and Im so thankful to EVERYONE that helped me tell this story!! You all know who you are. Congrats to US all. To the people of SIARGAO we share this with you, may this film create an awareness that we must continue to protect and preserve the beautiful island of SIARGAO!! And to everyone that has seen SIARGAO Thank you, and to those who haven’t, I do hope you can make time to watch this film, it would mean a lot to me!! Not everyone may get what Im trying to say, what Im trying to do, but to those who do, to those who get it, you keep me going and because of that I’ll continue to tell stories and continue to make more films that come from my heart. Thank you everyone!! Salamat Karajaw!! @siargaothemovie @ten17p #BestSound #BestOriginalThemeSong #BestCinematography #BestEditing #BestSupportingActress #BestDirector #2ndBestPicture #MMFF2017 #SIARGAO #NowShowing

A post shared by Paul Soriano (@paulsoriano1017) on Dec 27, 2017 at 11:26pm PST

 

SIARGAO is now showing, catch it in cinemas nationwide and see why the film took home 7 awards!! #MMFF2017 #SIARGAO #TEN17P @siargaothemovie #2ndBestPicture #BestDirector #BestEditor #BestCinematography #BestSound #BestOriginalThemeSong #BestSupportingActress THANK YOU ALL!!

A post shared by Paul Soriano (@paulsoriano1017) on Dec 28, 2017 at 5:55pm PST

And that statement is proven by his recent victory at the Metro Manila Film Festival, wherein he was named as the Best Director for his movie Siargao, starring Jericho Rosales, Erich Gonzales, and Jasmine Curtis-Smith. The film also bagged the 2nd Best Picture, Best Cinematography, Best Sound, Best Theme Song, and Best Editing awards. Its cast member, Jasmine, received the Best Supporting Actress award.

A film set in the surf island of Siargao in Surigao del Norte, the story revolves around the lives of two lost souls trying to find themselves and escape the burdens they left back home. This project is something special for Paul considering his love for Siargao. A traveller by heart, the place has been his sanctuary when he’s in need of an escape, or an inspiration for another story to tell.

 

In this day and age when we want everything fast, easy and instant. Watching the movie SIARGAO taught me to be still, be patient and allow the story to grow and progress until I no longer realize I’m in the cinema but on this beautiful island and I’m following the love story of every character. The film is well written by @anjpessumal. It’s simple, direct, raw and real. No big gestures, just pure and heartfelt scenes that speak straight to your heart. I fell in love with the movie maybe because I know where the directors heart is and where he is coming from. You are more inspired in this film and I can’t wait one day for Seve to see what his daddy worked hard for. Congratulations team SIARGAO.?? #TakeMeToSiargao #MMFF20172ndBestPicture #BestCinematography #Bestsound #BestOriginalThemeSong #BestEditing #BestSupportingActress #BestDIRECTOR

A post shared by Celestine Gonzaga-Soriano (@celestinegonzaga) on Dec 25, 2017 at 3:12am PST

In Siargao, Paul delights the audience not just through the narrative of the main plot, he also gives a peek into the beauty he’s fallen in love with in this paradise—the picturesque views, the clear waters and big waves, the culture and people. It comes as no surprise then that this production is well-appreciated and -applauded. This movie just further seals his reputation as a director who likes taking risks in his films, no matter how small or big the tale is.

"It’s simple, direct, raw and real. No big gestures, just pure and heartfelt scenes that speak straight to your heart. I fell in love with the movie maybe because I know where the director's heart is and where he is coming from."—Toni Gonzaga 

The 36-year-old director is also known for his film Thelma, which also won him a Best Director award at the Film Academy of the Philippines Awards in 2012. Thelma also won Digital Movie of the Year, Digital Movie Director of the Year, and Digital Movie Original Screenplay of the Year at the 28th PMPC Star Awards for Movies. His other films Kid Kulafu and Dukot also created buzz in their respective years of releases.

 

Seveloochi proud of @paulsoriano1017!????

A post shared by Celestine Gonzaga-Soriano (@celestinegonzaga) on Dec 28, 2017 at 8:19pm PST

The key to his storytelling style is his thirst to explore and discover the world—and we can’t wait for more films to come from his brilliant mind. 

Photo from @celestinegonzaga (thumbnail and cover photo)