by RG Alama

The filming of a Hollywood movie starring A-List American actor Josh Hartnett and Japanese popular celebrity actor Takuya Kimura is hoped to change Diwalwal’s image from a “wild west” type of town to a peaceful community capable of sustaining development and progress.

“The filming will prove that Diwalwal is peaceful and not like the former image which was associated to our place” Diwalwal Barangay Captain Franco Tito said during the filming wrap-up party held last Aug. 7 at the Pink House Lodge in Purok Depot in Diwalwal.

The movie “I come with the Rain” recently finished its 6-day filming without any untoward incident. The movie was directed by renowned French-Vietnamese film director Tranh Anh Hung.

“It was a surprisingly smooth shoot, the Filipino crew was great, and the community was great,” Josh Hartnett, the lead actor said.

“Dili kaayo makita ang epekto, especially sa economy pero daku kaayo ang epekto sa pagapakita na sa Diwalwal naa nay kalinaw.” (The effects could not be immediately be seen, especially in the economy, but it has such a big effect in showing that in Diwalwal there is already peace.) Franco Tito said.

According to Tito, what he provided to the cast and crew was the same treatment he would give to any visitors, be it coming from Davao or coming from Hollywood.

“I just provide security and safety to the place, the same I would accord to any visitor who would come here. No preferential treatment,” Tito said.

He said except for a few who were stranded in when the roads were closed to traffic, the community was happy that the film was shot there. “Many people were given jobs, some as extras, and others as part of the crew,” Tito said.

With the news of a successful filming, he hopes that perceptions about Diwalwal would start to change. “In the past all they would see or hear about Diwalwal were negative things, they did not see the beauty of the place.”

Hartnett, praised the movie location describing it as a gorgeous part of the world. “I hope to return here someday.” The actor said. (PIA XI)

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