Welcome to Hurwitz.TV’s Directors Interview Series, where we chat with some of the most influential filmmakers from all over the world.
In this series, you’ll have the opportunity to gain profound insights from the minds and creative journeys of these cinematic storytellers. Our goal is to explore the art of filmmaking, discover the inspirations and motivations that drive these directors, and delve into the captivating stories behind their remarkable works. From seasoned veterans to emerging talents, we talk about their artistic influences, memorable experiences, and the challenges they’ve faced along the way.
Today, I am joined by filmmaker Tony and Grammy winner Jhett Tolentino, whose journey from humble beginnings in Iloilo, Philippines has taken him to the pinnacle of success in the world of film and theater. His directorial debut feature, “Asian Persuasion,” is set to be released on November 29, 2023.
Dennis: Thank you for joining us! To kick things off, can you share the story of you wanting and deciding to become a filmmaker? What drove you to pursue this career path?
Jhett: OK, that’s a misconception. I did not want to be a filmmaker. I always wanted to be a Flight Attendant so I could go places for free. But when I got into college, Tourism was not offered in Iloilo City then. So I settled with a course which most of my friends were enrolled in – Accountancy. So you see, I have an accounting degree. Way too far from any artistic careers.
My decision to become a filmmaker came out of nowhere. It all happened because of New York City. The very place where every second is a possibility. I was already in my 7th year of producing Broadway shows in 2018 when a friend sent me the script of Lingua Franca by Isabel Sandoval. I was consumed by Isabel’s poetry and sensuality. The script opened another entertainment possibility for me. At that point, I had already produced 18 shows on Broadway. I was a bit tired and beginning to realize that producing Broadway does not make economic sense for me anymore. I cannot in good conscience sell a show over $15M to my investors, look them straight in the eyes, and tell them confidently that they’ll get their money back. Filmmaking teased me.
Dennis: What was the greatest piece of advice given by a mentor that shaped the artist that you are today?
Jhett: Honestly, I never had a mentor. I’m self-taught. I was embracing all possibilities that were coming my way. I was listening to the universe. I avoided toxic people and situations. I could have ended up somewhere and as someone else, if I wasn’t in New York City.
Dennis: Which movies and filmmakers inspired you the most?
Jhett: When I was a young boy in the squatters of Iloilo City, I was amazed by E.T. by Steven Spielberg. I like Wes Anderson’s productions which could be whimsical at times. His storytelling transports me into different dimensions. My favorite director of all time is Hirokazu Kore-eda. His directions make me care about every character in his films. It’s truly a fascinating craft. But it’s Quentin Tarantino who inspired me the most because just like him, I never went to a film school. So if he can do it, I can do it too.
Dennis: What are the most challenging and rewarding parts of making a movie?
Jhett: The challenge is always the fundraising part. It’s never easy to convince people with money to risk their hard-earned money on you. Good thing I have a decade’s experience in commercial producing. That’s actually my expertise.
The rewards are expansive – from providing opportunities to Asian American actors and filmmakers to introducing new business concepts to our community; from authentic storytelling to walking the talk in the true essence of representation from top to bottom. It’s a win across the board!
Dennis: You’ve won the Tony Award thrice for A Raisin in the Sun, A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder, and Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike. And in 2017, you’ve won the Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album for The Color Purple. You’re now halfway through EGOT status! Can you walk me through these experiences? And how does it feel to make history as the second Philippine-born winner of the Tony Award?
Jhett: Hmm, the first time I won a Tony Award in 2013, I remember being at the Radio City Music Hall stage with the rest of the producing team accepting our win, I was fidgeting. I was pinching myself because I could not believe that I became the 2nd Filipino (born, raised, and educated in the Philippines) to receive the most prestigious entertainment award! Me, someone who grew up in the slums who was hardly exposed to any form of art in the province. All I could think of was the last Filipino who got the first Tony Award. That was 22 years prior.
Historic, certainly. But I don’t sit on my laurels. To me, those “hardwares” are the rewards for my past work. The work has to continue to make sure I carry my community with me – provide opportunities and create spaces for others because if I don’t, nobody else will.
Dennis: Let’s talk about your upcoming feature “Asian Persuasion.” Can you talk about how you got attached to the project? And how was it working in the movie as your full-length feature directorial debut?
In February 2021, I was doing my final edits for my short bio-documentary Life Is What You Make It at Planet X Studios in Brooklyn. On one of my lunch breaks, Mike Ang, who is a part-owner of the studio, took me to lunch, and told me he had written a screenplay and that I had to read it since we are friends. Poor guy, I crushed his first-ever elevator pitch! He came home with a nagging persuasion to send me the script anyway. After two weeks, I texted him “Just finished reading your script. We need to talk.” And here we are.
Dennis: Lastly, what advice would you give to anyone who aspires to be a filmmaker and/or a producer?
Jhett: Be authentic and never compromise in your storytelling. If you don’t believe in yourself, nobody will. And giving up is NEVER an option.
