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'Maria Clara at Ibarra' actress Felicity Kyle Napuli wows with performance in 'In My Mother's Skin'
LOS ANGELES — When Filipino filmmaker Kenneth Dagatan screened his debut horror film, "In My Mother's Skin" at the recently concluded Sundance Film Festival, one actress who caught our eye and admiration was Felicity Kyle Napuli, who portrayed the young girl, Tala.
A theater-trained actress who has been in such musicals as "Lion King" and "Matilda," Napuli stole our hearts as the lead in the film that blends war, folklore, and religion.
Her performance has gotten rave reviews from critics.
"Napuli turns in a shockingly impressive vision of a child terrorized by supernatural forces," The Verge.com wrote.
Paste Magazine said: "Napuli matches our reactions perfectly, screaming her lungs out and grabbing strands of her hair like they're the last rope ladder out. The young actor goes big, but believable—she sells most of the horror better than the actual gore."
The movie, which had its European premiere recently at the International Film Festival Rotterdam, will be shown by Amazon in multiple countries by the end of 2023 on Prime Video.
Below is our virtual interview with Napuli.
Congratulations on your role in "In My Mother's Skin." Can you please tell us about your audition process with Kenneth Dagatan?
Someone messaged me asking if I was interested in auditioning for this film. They gave me a script. At first, I thought it was for a voice-acting role. Then I saw a lot of children my age and older at the audition. I saw a camera and I was shocked. I was not prepared to be on camera for a film. Then I saw a familiar face like Direk Aly Villanueva, whom I have worked with in an upcoming HBO series. But it was a nice material, and I am happy that I got the part.
Is this your first time working with Kenneth Dagatan? How was it working with him?
We clicked immediately. We understood each other. I asked a lot of questions especially the development of my character Tala and who she is.
What was the most challenging thing about filming the movie?
Definitely the emotional scenes. Spoiler alert. But in particular, every time I am at the fairy's chapel. It was really a rollercoaster ride. There were a lot of things that happened to Tala and her family.
Where did you film the movie and how long was the shoot?
We shot it for a month in Negros Occidental at the famous house where "Oro, Plata Mata" was filmed. It is a beautiful house. (The Gaston Mansion is the ancestral house in Hacienda Rosalia in the municipality of Manapla.)
By nature, are you afraid of ghosts, blood, vampires, and zombies?
No. I am actually super kilig about horror films. I am super amazed with engkanto stories, murder mysteries, and the like.
How was it working with the cast members – James Mavie Estrella (Bayani), Beauty Gonzalez (Ligaya), Jasmine Curtis-Smith (Fairy), Angeli Bayani (Amor), Arnold Reyes (Romualdo), and Ronnie Lazaro (Antonio)?
Grabe po. When I found out that Beauty Gonzalez was going to play my mom and Arnold Reyes were going to play my dad, super kinabahan ako because I look up to them. Seeing them up close and working with them was a dream. We were feeding off each other's energy. Until now I am still shocked that I worked with them.
What was your reaction when you saw Jasmine Curtis-Smith in costume as the fairy?
When I first saw Jasmine in costume, she really looked like a saint. She has this porcelain face and a beautiful headdress. It was so good on her. It was medyo scary too.
What for you was the scariest part of doing the film?
There was this scene where Ate Beauty was crawling on the floor. Just like in any horror film, there are anxiety-inducing scenes and that is one of them. It really felt real.
You are a theater actress and you have appeared in "Lion King" and "Matilda." How old did you start acting and where did you get your professional training?
I was eight years old when I started theater acting. But before that, I was already singing in most shows.
When I went into theater, I was not really thinking of being a professional actress. I just wanted to try it out and I ended up loving it. Now I am passionate about it.
After four or five years in theater, I decided to do film and TV. I ended up liking it.
Mara Marasigan, an acting coach, trained me and James. We learned a lot of techniques in acting. It was really wonderful.
How old are you now and are you going to school or are you homeschooled?
I am in Grade 10, going to senior high. I am 16 years old right now and I am homeschooled.
How do you balance work and school?
It is quite hard. It involves a lot of time management. But since I have been homeschooled for the past five years now, it is easier for me to manage rather than if I were in a regular school.
When you are not acting, what do you do? Hobbies?
I am just a regular teenager. I love to play games and I like drawing.
You are also in the hit TV series, "Maria Clara at Ibarra" and your name again here is Tala. Can you tell us more about your character?
Tala is a candle vendor and one of those who were helped by Ibarra. She was supposed to put up a school pero hindi natuloy. She sings. She was invited to one of the parties. Humahanga siya talaga kay Ibarra.
Did you work with Chai Fonacier in this series?
I don't have any scenes with her in this series. But we were tent mates. We talked for a while. I love her film "Nocebo." I like psychological thrillers. I am so proud of her.
I am also proud of Miss Dolly de Leon. I think Filipino talents are doing so well in the international scene.
When did you decide to become an actress?
After watching a lot of films. There are films that really make you want to do that. They have great materials.
I wanted to also feel those emotions. I wanted to experience those complicated feelings that you don't use in your day-to-day life.
What musicals inspired you to join musicals?
"Miss Saigon." Lea Salonga did a great job as Kim and she is one of my idols.
I also like Iza Calzado, Jodie Sta. Maria and Patti LuPone.
What are your dream roles?
Kim is one. Eliza from "Hamilton." And Anne Boleyn in the "Six" musical.
What are your goals as an actress five years from now?
Good question. I would like to do more films. "In My Mother's Skin" made me realize that I wanted to do more acting. I am passionate about it. I would also like to do more teleserye.
Are you the only actress in the family? Talk also about your family.
Yes I am. And we don't know where I got it.
As for my family, my mom works at the Philippine Stock Exchange. I don't know where my dad works (laughs).
I am an only child.
What are your ambitions in life besides acting?
I also want to be a vet. I love animals. I have dogs. I know this is quite ambitious, but I want to have a pet clinic, a pet hotel, and a pet grooming shop. That will really be fun.
And probably you can do an animal movie.
Why not?
Whom would you like to meet if you were given a chance to go to Hollywood?
There are many but I would like to meet Anne Hathaway. She is so good. My favorite movie of hers is "Princess Diaries." It is a classic.
What are your next projects?
As of now, I am in a series that I cannot disclose yet. It is an HBO production. It is now in post-production. I hope it will be released soon. We were in production in 2020 but we stopped because of the COVID restrictions. I hope it will be shown soon on HBO.
—MGP, GMA Integrated News
