Controversial director Darryl Yap is back to being the subject of criticism.
Many are not happy that he opted to cast a non-Aeta for an Aeta role in his new film, "Gluta."
Some fans accused him of being a "racist."
There are also those who deemed him a "traitor."
Darryl hails from Olongapo, Zambales, a place where many of our Aeta brethrens call home.
Is the criticism justified?
Darryl disagrees.
He shared in a recent interview, “Sorry for the term, but I think that too much political correctness is bullsh*t in cinema.
"If I’m going to cast a real Aeta, I think that will hinder us from sharing the purest communication of a movie and its separation from reality.
“Actors and artists are there to actually convey the story. It’s a reflection of reality but what you will see in the film is not exactly reality itself.”
The director then defended her choice as lead actress, Ella Cruz, whom he had to "blackface" for the role.
“If people say I’m problematic because I made Ella darker just to convey a story, it’s their opinion. I don’t accept it as fact.”
“Ella landed the role simply because she is an exceptional actress,” he added.
Note that prior, Darryl was also criticized for supposedly lampooning people with mental health issues in "Tililing."
He was also crucified for allegedly making fun of people with communication/speech disorder creating a character called Ngongo in "Ang Babaeng Walang Pakiramdam."