‘Fantasy films help us escape reality. But what if we reversed that? Let’s use fantasy to face reality, with a little more courage and a little smile.’
That’s how ‘Child No. 82: Son of Boy Kana’ director Tim Rone Villanueva explained the film’s unique approach to tackling fanaticism in the Philippines.
Starring JM Ibarra and Vhong Navarro, the film is an official entry to the 2025 Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival.
Set during the wake of an action-fantasy legend named Boy Kana (Navarro), the story follows Max (Ibarra), a teenager claiming to be the actor’s 82nd child. Before the wake ends, Max must prove his lineage, not just to the family, but to an entire fandom that believes it owns a piece of the man.
‘The idea came from my producer Arvin Belarmino,’ Villanueva shared. ‘We developed it from a simple question-what’s the point of view of a child out of wedlock? Who’s his father? Why is this so common in the Philippines?’
From research, the story found real roots. ‘We asked, who are the people who have many children? What powers do they seem to have? Then we realized, this also talks about fanaticism. So we thought, ‘why not use fantasy films?”
The twist, he said, was to flip the genre. ‘Ang fantasy films ginagamit para maka-escape tayo sa reality, pero baliktarin natin – tumakas tayo sa fantasy at harapin ang mga realidad ng buhay natin.’
Lead star JM Ibarra. Image: Marinel Cruz/INQUIRER.net
Vhong Navarro: Playing the myth and the man
For Navarro, playing Boy Kana – a beloved superhero and a flawed man – was an experience filled with awe.
‘When I was reading the script, marami akong katanungan pero nabuo lahat sa pelikula (I had so many questions, but everything came together in the film), he said. ‘Direk Tim is brilliant. I asked myself, how did he even conceptualize this?’
It was also his first Cinemalaya project. ‘That was one of the reasons I said yes,’ he added. ‘I’ve always wanted to make a Cinemalaya film – and this one turned out beautifully.’
As for what audiences should take away, he reflected: ‘The experiences of Boy Kana feel timely – political, being a father, being a superhero. What does it really mean to be one? Is it only on screen? In real life, maybe not.’
He pointed out that behind the film’s playful tone are deeper truths. ‘Naaliw ka kapag pinapanood mo, pero kapag inusisa mo – ang mga linya, ang background – may sinasabi sila na napapanahon.’ (You’re entertained while watching, but if you look closely – the lines, the background – they’re saying something relevant.) JM Ibarra: Finding confidence in doubt
For Ibarra, seeing himself as Max on the big screen was a mix of joy and nerves. ‘Until now, I’m still nervous,’ he told reporters during the Cinemaya film’s recent gala screening. ‘I’m happy people liked my performance, but I still ask myself, ‘Were they satisfied? Did I lack somewhere?”
One comment that stuck came from director Jose Javier Reyes. ”Di ko mabubura sa isip ko na napuri ako ni Direk Joey (I’ll never forget being praised by Direk Joey),’ he said. ‘It was remarkable because he’s the one who opened the door for me into acting when I got into the Meisner crash course at FDCP (FIlm Development Council of the Philippines, where he is chairperson).’
As for what’s next, he’s not slowing down. ‘Hangga’t ‘di pa sumasakit ang likod ko, tuloy lang (As long as my back doesn’t hurt yet, I’ll keep going),’ he joked. ‘I’ll never get tired of going back and forth between mainstream and indie – as long as I’m learning.’
Navarro was equally impressed. ‘I was surprised by what JM showed in the film,’ he said. ‘He doesn’t seem like a newcomer anymore. He observes everything. That’s how it should be.’ After Cinemalaya
Following the film’s Cinemalaya run, the team hopes to bring it to wider audiences. ‘We’re seeking help so that it can be distributed nationwide,’ Villanueva said. ‘We also have plans for international releases – and maybe a sequel.’
What gives the director the most joy, though, are comments from peers. ‘I didn’t expect that. It’s so heartwarming.’
Produced by Arvin Belarmino and Johndel Tacata, Child No. 82 also stars Rochelle Pangilinan, Kai Montinola, Iyah Mina and Ruth Ramos. The 2025 Cinemalaya runs until Oct. 12.