Manny Perez Opens Up About “La Soga 3: Venganza” and his Passion for Dominican Cinema

The Dominican actor Manny Perez He confesses to being nervous and happy because “the baby is finally going to come out,” referring to the premiere of “La Soga 3: Venganza,” whose premiere is tomorrow, October 19, in the Dominican Republic, while in the United States it will be screened on December 12. at United Palace.

Recently there was a meeting with the press and then the premiere gala was held at Caribbean Cinemas, in Downtown Center, where prior to the activity we were able to talk with this artist full of passion for his work and concerned about justice in his country, especially in the community of Baitoa, in Santiago de los Caballeros, which was the place where the film was filmed and where it comes from. It hurts him that this place still lacks water service.

As for the film, it is a violent thriller. It features the murder of a man with a firearm, another who is eaten alive by a pig, and verbal language not suitable for minors. That intensity and rudeness is precisely what Pérez seeks to present, as a denunciation of the Dominican system.

“Like La Soga I, in III that monster that he hates returns. Filming Sound of Freedom I discovered a dark and dirty world… I wanted to give that touch to La Soga III,” says this Dominican talent who is conquering international cinema.

In short, it was an interview in which the emotional part, the projects, the process and details of the film being released were addressed.

This film Manny Pérez wants to denounce the harsh reality that he sees in his country. (FELIX LEON)

This is the second time you have directed your own film. Is it everything you expected from that experience?

I’m going to tell you the truth, that was hard… I don’t know, I have to think about it. Because one really spends oneself. This time I focused on four different departments: directing, producing, actor and screenwriter. And that’s hard. But I had to do it as this project because it is very personal.

We know that acting is where you have the most experience, but in these new areas that you explored, which one has left you that little tickle to continue?

I like to write. Since I was little I have written my stories. And I think that’s something I want to explore more. Especially here with our Dominican history. Because there are so many stories here and like no one is focusing on what it means to write better scripts. So it’s a process.

Would you like to explore another type of vision of the Dominican Republic or would you continue along the same lines?

No, I’m still there. I’m that kind of person who uses the camera because I want to say a message. Because I want a change for my country, for my people, for my town especially. And I’m not that kind of person who uses the camera to make romantic stories, jokes, I don’t know. I like to leave a message. And that’s why I always focus on things where I’m leaving a message in my stories. And also exploring what criticism is, a social criticism.

Do you think your films make that change that you are looking for so much?

If out of 100 people who see my film there are three who understand that change, I am happy with those 3 out of 100. For me, changing a nation and leaving a message on the people is a long process. But I think chin to chin can work.

We see that the industry has evolved a lot, addressing genres beyond comedy. What do you understand is missing from Dominican cinema?

What the film industry is began with comedy, the gringos with Chaplin. The comedy lasted many years, then drama and action were introduced and it was quite a process. With us, yes, we started with comedy, now we are introducing drama, introducing action films, which is La Soga, and also a little bit of drama. And it is a process of what the industry is. Now, what we lack is better scripts. Film law is great and it fascinates me, but I think that here, (RD) anyone who gets money can make any film, without thinking about what the script is, just that he wants to be a director.

What was this process like to make your film? I lasted almost 7 years with La Soga 3, the same with La Soga 2. So, it’s not that I made it, I got money today and tomorrow I filmed it. No, no, no…I thought everything right. Even I changed La Soga 3, when I got into the Sound of Freedom film, because I wanted to include those elements that are happening here and there in Colombia, everywhere.

character played by Manny Pérez affects his interior. (FELIX LEON)

On one occasion you mentioned that you get involved in the character until you feel it and are it. Aren’t you afraid of affecting your mental health?

Yes, even when they offered me the role for Sonido de Libertad I said no. Because I know how I am. But the director knows me very well, and that’s the good thing, that he knows me very well and he wanted me to be part of that process. I also wanted to be part of that movement and that’s why I accepted it. But it did affect me. Getting out of there was difficult for me. And thank God that I am part of that movement, of the message that they are giving worldwide, as I also want to transmit one with La Soga.

How do you disconnect the human part of the character?

It is a process. I started with a therapist and it is helping me a lot. I have read many books on how to leave that character. Getting in is easier, but getting out is a little harder for me, but I’m learning. In acting you are always learning. I still take acting workshops and every day I learn something new from a person I’m studying, from a taxi driver I talk to because I’m like a sponge, I’m always searching and thinking.