Jonathan Demme, late director of “Silence of the Lambs,” once said, “Every film deserves its own unique look.”

Independent films in the Philippines have risen in popularity, such as the all-indie 2016 Metro Manila Film Festival. Since the festival’s culmination, cinemas have screened the likes of JP Habac’s “I’m Drunk, I Love You,” and Samantha Lee’s “Baka Bukas.”

These films have also introduced new, promising talents to the audience. ToBeYou puts the spotlight on Kevin Poblacion, new actor and star of Neal Tan’s coming project, “Adik.”

The cast of “Adik”: Miggy Cambell, Daniel Joseph Cruz, Michelle Thomas, Angelo Bersola and Kevin Poblacion

More of a dancer

Born and raised in Canada to Filipino parents, Kevin moved to the Philippines two years ago to pursue a career in show business. “Originally, it wasn’t really my thought to start acting. I was more of a dancer,” Kevin explained.

But his parents encouraged him to give acting a shot. After attending acting workshops with ABS-CBN Star Magic, he soon grew to enjoy the craft.

“Adik” is not only his first project, it is also his debut appearance as an actor.

Kevin plays the lead character who moves to the Philippines from abroad to escape family problems. But bigger problems come up when he starts to do drugs.

At first, Kevin said he did not expect much from the film. He thought the word “indie” didn’t mean much.

But after shooting, Kevin was all praises: “The movie looks fantastic. It’s an advocacy film. Hopefully we can show it in schools around the country and probably internationally.”

Kevin said that current events inspired the making of the film. It explored the drug scene in the Philippines, a topic that had become controversial in the past few months.

Asked if he expects people to agree with and support the film, Kevin said he’s upbeat that the audience would. “Even if people find it disturbing, I mean, it’s a good way to discuss the issue, its effects … It’s always good to talk about these things.”

Kevin said that the team had wrapped up production for “Adik,” and there’s a new film in the works, but he didn’t know what to expect.—CONTRIBUTED