May 11, 2020
Dennis connects via Skype with filmmaker John Paul Su whose debut feature film Toto, about a hotel worker in the Philippines who dreams of moving to America, is currently screening on Amazon Prime and ITunes. He talks about infusing his own experiences as an immigrant into the story, shooting the film in the Philippines, how he financed the film, how the film was received in the Philippines, shooting the comedic sex scenes and how proud he was that his father didn't fall asleep watching the movie. He also talks about loving movies as a kid, how his mother would cry at the movies but was all strength in real life. He recalls moving to New York to pursue filmmaking without knowing anyone and how his parents felt about. Other topics include: why he loves The Sound of Music, what it's like to have your movie on Amazon, his acclaimed short film Pagpag, going to the Philippines once a year to teach for a month and why he makes films.