John Arcilla backs cousin Ricky Avanceña in criticizing film “Quezon”

• Actor John Arcilla sided with cousin Ricky Avanceña over his disapproval of the film “Quezon”
• Ricky, the grandson of former President Manuel L. Quezon, went viral after calling out the film’s cast and creators
• Arcilla said the filmmakers should have consulted Quezon’s direct descendants before producing the movie
• He also found the portrayal of Quezon “preachy and direct,” despite its satirical tone

Veteran actor John Arcilla has voiced support for his cousin, Ricky Quezon Avanceña, after the latter publicly criticized the newly released historical film “Quezon.”

Ricky, the grandson of former President Manuel L. Quezon, went viral following his emotional comments during the Q&A portion of a screening.

He also took to social media to express his disappointment and urged followers to defend the legacy of the late president.

Arcilla, who portrayed General Antonio Luna in Jerrold Tarog’s acclaimed “Heneral Luna,” agreed with Ricky’s sentiments, saying that the filmmakers should have reached out to their family first.

Read also

Anne Curtis laments report that only 22 of 1700 classrooms targeted were completed

“I, or anyone else, cannot blame you. Our family is still very much alive; they should have considered consulting the direct descendants and relatives,” he commented.

He drew a comparison to another national hero, explaining, “The reason no one has made a film about Juan Luna, for instance, is that his wife’s family does not want the story told from someone else’s point of view—and I am not sure that principle applies here as well.”

While stressing that he holds no personal grudge, Arcilla said the Quezon family deserves the right to seek clarification.

He also noted that “Quezon” appeared satirical but criticized its “preachy and direct” portrayal of their grandfather.

In response, TBA Studios maintained that the film was “grounded in verified historical accounts,” citing President Quezon’s autobiography and other credible sources.

“Quezon” is currently screening in 400 cinemas nationwide.

John Arcilla is an acclaimed actor and environmentalist from the Philippines. He is recognize for his versatile performances in film, television, and theater. John is best known for playing the lead role of Antonio Luna in the historical film, 'Heneral Luna'. John won the Best Actor Award at the 78th Venice Film Festival for his lead role in the film ‘On the Job: The Missing 8.’

Read also

Baron Geisler honors wife and autism advocacy in new film "The Delivery Rider"

In a previous report by KAMI, John Arcilla aired his thoughts on reading private messages. For the actor, he does not want to judge and that he was not able to read everything. However, one thing that he would like to point out was why the messages were not deleted. He said that it would seem that there was an ill-motive behind it all. For the actor, he does not want to judge and that he was not able to read everything. However, one thing that he would like to point out was why the messages were not deleted. He said that it would seem that there was an ill-motive behind it all.

Earlier, John also shared his honest opinion on people focusing on Carlos Yulo’s family rift instead of his double Olympic gold win. In a lengthy post on his Instagram page, John urged people to celebrate the Filipino athlete’s double Olympic gold win instead of talking about the highly publicized rift. He also stressed the importance of “self-regulation,” which he learned when he studied mass communication. Furthermore, the veteran actor wrote a blunt message seemingly addressed to the media.

Source: KAMI.com.gh