Brillante Mendoza asked to direct Duterte’s first SONA

The incoming administration of President-elect Rodrigo Duterte has asked award-winning director Brillante Mendoza if he could direct Duterte's first State of the Nation Address (SONA) in July.

Incoming Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar told GMA News Online on Tuesday that the director was offered the job.

“It’s a suggestion lang, that maybe he can direct it,” he said in a message.

Andanar added that Mendoza was open to the idea.

Mendoza is the first and only Filipino to win the Best Director at the Cannes Film Festival for his movie “Kinatay” in 2009.

His recent offering is “Ma' Rosa,” which competed for the Palme d'Or in Cannes this year.

The film features GMA actress Jaclyn Jose, who bagged the Best Actress award. She played the role of Rosa Reyes, who sells drugs for a living.

Duterte vowed to suppress illegal drugs and other crimes as president.

"Ma' Rosa's success is seen to boost Duterte's drive against drugs. —Trisha Macas/NB, GMA News