Direk Paul Soriano feels ‘humbled’ by the response to his film at the Tokyo International Film Festival . It was his third time at the filmfest, which was held this year from Oct. 23 to Nov. 1. He was previously there for Kid Kulafu and Mañanita, which was in competition, prior to The Fisher that was showcased under the World Focus section.
While writing the script, Paul had a clear vision of the characters' destinies and the film's conclusion. This led him to create a story of The Fisher about a Filipino fisherman, Pedro , who discovers a Chinese fisherman, Hai , lost at sea, and how their relationship with each other and the people around them — Mercedes as Pedro’s sickly wife Delma, Heaven as their daughter Simone, and Eula as the fishing village's witch doctor Manay — evolves from that fateful encounter.
“I was humbled by how the audience in Tokyo really came out to watch The Fisher. It’s always very humbling when you are in a foreign country and you can see the foreign audience appreciate your work. We had two very good screenings, and the audience in Tokyo really takes their cinema seriously. Their feedback and questions were wonderful, and many of them expressed how much they loved The Fisher and said that more people ought to watch the movie,” he said.
Paul confirmed that The Fisher is scheduled to be shown in the Philippines in 2024. Aside from plans “to participate in a few more film festivals,” as mentioned, he hopes to secure a suitable release date in the country. From left: Enchong, Mon and direk Paul attend one of their movie’s screenings at TIFF. The Fisher was nominated for TIFF's Ethical Film Award to recognize films that address 'important contemporary social themes, such as poverty, diversity, gender equality, the environment, and discrimination.’Next year, Paul really wants to be “behind the camera” and to direct again. But he’ll also “continue to produce and tell stories in various capacities.
Toni took a break due to the arrival of their baby girl Polly, short for Paulina Celestine, last August. But now she has returned to work, including shooting, hosting duties and vlogging, according to Paul.