After gaining attention on the Hollywood scene with her 2019 film "Lingua Franca," US-based Filipino filmmaker Isabel Sandoval returns to her Filipino roots with her fourth feature film, "Moonglow."

In an intimate interview with the press on West Avenue in Quezon City on March 20, Isabel shared what made her decide to do a film in her home country.

"Around May last year, I was busy developing projects in Hollywood and at the Cannes Film Festival. And then the strike happened," Isabel said.

"At first, it was the writer's strike, then in July, it was the actor's strike, meaning all the productions in Hollywood had shut down. I've been thinking about my project in the US, so I decided, why don’t I do a project in the Philippines?" she added.

Set in Manila in the 1970s, "Moonglow" follows a female detective who pulls off a successful heist without her colleagues' knowledge.

Isabel said it has always been one of her goals to create noir genre films because she was fascinated with shadow and light storylines and characters that hide secrets.

"I would like to do a noir film because I am fascinated with the idea of shadow and light, characters with secrets. I have been drawn into the noir genre, and that is how the premise was made for Moonglow,” she added.

Marking her comeback in Philippine cinema, Isabel has tapped award-winning actor Arjo Atayde to play Charlie in the upcoming film.

According to Isabel, she first met Arjo at the Locarno Film Festival in Switzerland, where his film Topakk by Richard Somes premiered at the event. She was also part of the Jury committee at that time.

"I met Arjo and Tito Jojo, and we had a great conversation, not just about the project, but also about what we want to accomplish for the Philippine talent, especially abroad,” she said.

Preparing for her upcoming film, the “Lingua Francia” director mentioned that she has started doing ocular visits in Manila. The actual shooting days will start on April 9.

“We have scouted locations in Binondo, which I think is a fascinating area in terms of character and personality, and New Manila," Isabel said

"Filming will begin on April 9 and continue through the first or second week of May. While shooting, I’m cutting the film at night because we were hoping to premiere it at the Cannes Film Festival."

“Moonglow” will be produced by Daluyong and Nathan Studios, with Momo Film Co from Singapore and Yaman Films from Japan. 

Dream collabs

In addition to working with Andrew Garfield and Daisy Edgar-Jones on the series Under the Banner of Heaven, she shared some of her dream collaborations with Pinoy actors and actresses.

"I would want to work with Elijah Canlas because he is interesting," she said.  

"Also, John Lloyd Cruz's work is very interesting, especially now in his career, working with Lav Diaz. I know he is a dramatic actor. Hopefully, I can direct him, or we can work on a film together, which would be a dream collaboration. 

Isabel proudly shared that one of the artists she wants to work with is Charo Santos-Concio, former CEO of ABS-CBN.

"I would also want to work with Charo Santos. I've been a fan of her work since Itim and Kisapmata, and it's nice to see her come back to acting," she said.

Love for cinema

Born and raised in Cebu, Isabel found her love for Pinoy films ever since she was young. 

From watching classic TV shows and films in their local theaters, Isabel is proud to say that those films have helped her shape the filmmaker she is today. 

“The very first movie I saw in the movie theater with my mom was “Batabatuta” by Dolphy. I also remember in the afternoon when ABS-CBN would show classics like Ishmael Bernal, Relasyon, Himala, and Manila by Night. Of course, I also watched the Sharon Cuneta film Maging Sino Ka Man with Robin Padilla," Isabel said. 

“I grew up in Philippine cinema, and I remember as a kid, I would buy all those comics that would be adapted into movies at that time, and I think that kinda introduced me to the world of cinema.” 

Without any experience of going to film school, Isabel widened her love for film when she discovered classics from Wong Kar Wai, Pedro Almodovar, and more. 

Since then, Isabel has continued her passion as a filmmaker and made her debut film, Senorita, in 2011. It follows the story of a transgender woman striving to escape the sex work industry. 

Her second film, "Aparisyon," released in 2012, is about nuns living in a convent during the Marcos era.