Hollywood actor Josh Hartnett had nothing but nice words for Diwalwal during his six-day stay here in the mining community located in the hinterlands of Compostela Valley Province. “This is a gorgeous part of the world,” said Hartnett, an A-list American actor known for his roles in the films Black Hawk Down and Pearl Harbor. The actor said that he was wowed by the natural beauty of Diwalwal during their filming here.

“We shot in these waterfalls, the view was very spectacular, Diwalwal is a very beautiful location. Hartnett said. The 29-year old actor essays the lead role in the movie “I come with the Rain” playing an American detective who came to Mindanao in search for a missing billionaire’s heir.

Hartnett, who spends a great deal of time traveling around the world, said that he wants to return someday to Diwalwal if he has the time. He also says the community are one terrific people.

“I feel right at home. The kids are always smiling,” he said. Hartnett also was not bothered being in a place branded as a sort of “wild, wild west.”

“I did not feel fear, the only fear I have is the thought of being surrounded by armed security and not the fear about going to this place,” Hartnett said. Hopefully I could spend some time and explore some places here, he added.

Soldiers of the Philippine Army’s 28th Infantry Battalion provided tight security to the six-day shoot which was filmed in various locations around Diwalwal. The Barangay of Mt. Diwata under barangay Captain Franco Tito also provided support to the filming.

Hartnett also voiced apprehensions about the future of the locale. “Diwalwal is changing; I hope the many spectacular things I’ve seen here, would still remain.” The actor also said the visit changed him in a way. “I only spent a week here and what I’ve seen here in Diwalwal is more than what I would usually see in one week.”

Film director Tran Anh Hung, chose to film in this part of Compostela Valley Province after watching a television documentary about Diwalwal 15 years ago. It was reported that before filming, the U.S-based film crew received a letter from their union urging them not to come to Diwalwal due to security concerns.

However Director Hung’s persistence eventually led to the realization of the first Hollywood movie to be filmed in Diwalwal. “I cannot imagine building a film set in any place, other than Diwalwal,” Hung said.

Photo Credits : All Celebrity

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