‘Islands’ to be shown in Canada, US theaters beginning April 12

Some people grew up getting used to their parents providing and assisting them in every way possible. They lived in the comfort of their parents’ home (others still do even as grown-ups). However, the time will surely come that this situation will be vice versa. What will their children do to take care of them by then?

It was a question to ponder for Filipino-Canadian filmmaker Martin Edralin when his mom retired and his dad was retiring in 2015. He explored his answer to the question through the character of Joshua, the protagonist in his feature film debut, “Islands.”

“Islands” premiered at the SXSW Film Festival in March 2021 and was awarded the Special Jury Recognition for Breakthrough Performance.

The movie highlights the story of Joshua, a shy middle-aged Filipino immigrant who has lived with his parents. A turn of events takes place when his mother suddenly passed away and he has to quit his job to look after his father full-time. Joshua struggles as he has no experience in taking care of anyone, as well as himself, until his cousin, Marisol, comes to his rescue.

Like Joshua, the Toronto-based filmmaker recalled being a “very shy” child and teenager. He still is, although his shyness has worn off a little as time went by.

“Through Joshua’s character, I was also exploring the responsibility I wanted to take on to look after my elderly parents and the fear of growing old alone if I didn’t find a life partner,” he told Philippine Canadian Inquirer (PCI).

It seems that Martin saw pieces of himself in certain characters in “Islands.” While he relates the most to Joshua’s character, Marisol gives a representation of who he aspires to be.

“Her patience, compassion, and care for other people is what I think we should all strive for,” he said.

Meanwhile, Reynaldo, Joshua’s father, visualizes his fear of becoming old and dependent, which Martin said, “scares me more than dying.”

“Islands,” which took around two years to complete from script to final edit, was Martin’s first Filipino-language film. He shared that the challenge for him while making the movie was when he had to translate in Filipino the screenplay that was written in English prior to filming each scene.

“I didn’t realize how different my interpretation would be from the actors sometimes. In hindsight, we should have prepared a Tagalog script before going into production,” he said.

With this new experience and the lesson he gained from it, Martin felt joy making “Islands.”

“With the characters, the story, the locations, the cast – every aspect being ‘Filipino,’ I really felt at home,” he shared.

It was also the first time for Shiela Lotuaco, who played the role of Marisol, to see herself on the big screen.

To act in a movie one day has been the dream of the Filipino-Canadian actress, who is also a healthcare worker in Winnipeg, ever since she was young. With a passion for acting, Shiela joined school plays and interschool competitions during her high school days and took part in theatre clubs when she was at the university.

“I just love to act and portray characters. I also did a background job on a TV show, and deep inside, dreaming, I said to myself, maybe someday, I’ll get my chance to be a lead female in a movie.”

An opportunity to make this happen came to her when she saw an online post of a friend about a casting call. That friend happens to be Martin’s cousin in the Philippines. Sheila seized the chance and auditioned, eventually leading to her being chosen to be Marisol of “Islands.”

There were a lot of questions out of excitement and nervousness that ran through her mind after being told about the good news. The actress said she was excited because her childhood dream would finally happen, but at the same time, doubts plagued her mind, prompting her to ask herself questions like: “Would I be able to bring life to my role?” “Would I meet the expectations of my director?” and “Will I be good enough for the part?”

But her experience of taking care of the elderly and her life challenges — coupled with the help and guidance of Martin, producer Priscilla Galvez, and her co-stars like Rogelio Balagtas (Joshua) and Esteban Comilang (Reynaldo) — equipped Sheila to successfully portray her character in “Islands.”

“Actually, I do relate to Marisol, my character in the movie, because that is what I do as my day job here in Winnipeg. I do take care of the elderly, and even back in the Philippines, that has been our culture to take care of our loved ones especially the elderly and that really helped me bring life to the character of Marisol.”

“Islands” is hopefully the beginning of more projects for Sheila. Although there is none in the pipeline at the moment, she said she plans to do acting workshops to hone her skills should be given a chance and if her schedule permits.

As for Martin, he said he is looking forward to what is next in store for him.

“Having committed several years to this project and doing the non-creative work involved in releasing a film, I feel rejuvenated and eager to do creative work again.”

Just as how the movie links her to her Filipino roots, Sheila believes that it would do the same to other Filipinos abroad who would watch “Islands.”

“They would really see themselves in this film,” she assured, adding, “this would also relate to others who, in some way, have forgotten to think and love themselves because they are too busy and preoccupied with giving their love and care to others and neglecting their own happiness.”

To continue going on the journey of life, regardless of the ups and downs, is what “Islands,” Martin thinks, will show to its audience.

“The movie explores how easily we can fall into unfavorable circumstances that can make life more about survival rather than joy. But even if life is a constant uphill battle, the film expresses that we can find joy or new beginnings in unexpected places, often right in front of us if we’re open to welcoming it. And we need to help each other on this journey,” the director stressed.

He went on to say, “I’ve been told that the movie is heavy at times, but there are laughs along the way – much like life itself.”

“Islands” is coming to selected theaters in Canada and the United States starting on April 12, Tuesday. No exact date was given but Martin bared that there would likely be a digital release sometime this year for viewers in the Philippines.