The intelligence of an actress-machine. Interview with multi-talented Hazel Orencio, star and right-hand of Filipino director Lav Diaz

Abstract

Born in 1986 in Antipolo, northern Philippines, Hazel Tapales Orencio studied Theatre at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines and began acting in theatre and film since then. She works intensely with Lav Diaz, both as an actor and a sort of righ arm of the independent film director, leading figure of a group today known as "the new Golden Age". In the group of fewer than ten people who usually work with Lav Diaz – they call it a "skeleton crew" – she alternates the positions of assistant director, production manager, casting director, production designer, costume designer... And does most of the subtitles of his films. Having been awarded for her acting performance, and having her work selected in competition section in some of the most important festivals (Cannes, Locarno, Venice, Berlin), she lives modestly in a country where culture, for better or for worse, is not among the main preoccupation in politics. In this interview, which took place  from February to April, her last film with Lav Diaz was being edited. The conversation went on through e-mail and Skype, Hazel Orencio talks about acting, Lav Diaz's method and working in Rodrigo Duterte's Philippines – which can mean shooting in Malaysia and walking on the streets under disguise.