EJ Salcedo comes home to pursue filmmaking , November 12, 2010

EJ Salcedo comes home to pursue filmmaking
By Rica Arevalo
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 20:55:00 11/12/2010
Filed Under: Cinema, Entertainment (general)

MANILA, Philippines—Director Edward James Salcedo debuted his dramatic feature, “Third World Happy,” on Nov. 11 at the Sixth Cinema One Originals Digital Film Festival, which unreels until Nov. 16 at Shang Cineplex.

EJ studied in the United States in the ’80s, but had to return to Manila when an uncle passed away. He shares, “Growing up, I was happy-go-lucky. But, when I went to the US, I felt the racism. It toughened me up and made me realize that the world isn’t a perfect place.”

He cast Sam Milby as a Fil-Am trying to pursue his dream as a painter in New York City. He admits that the film’s story is similar to his experiences. “I wanted to tell that story and the things I’ve learned from working as a copywriter. I have friends from advertising agencies who took on their jobs to help their families.

Dreams
“But, what they really want to be are comics-book artists, painters and filmmakers! People have dreams but they don’t pursue them, because they have bills to pay.”

Milby is deglamorized in Salcedo’s film. The new filmmaker recalls, “I stripped him of his being a matinee idol. Here, Sam wears shirts with holes. He is unshaven, and has unkempt hair.”

What will moviegoers learn from his film? Salcedo replies, “Sometimes, it takes losing someone to find yourself.” Joining Milby in the cast are Jodi Sta. Maria, Richard Quan and Melissa Mendez.

http://showbizandstyle.inquirer.net/entertainment/entertainment/view/20101112-302882/EJ-Salcedo-comes-home-to-pursue-filmmaking