Francine Diaz and Seth Fedelin: Will the gamble strike gold?

Two of the most charismatic young stars today, Francine Diaz and Seth Fedelin, join the big leagues as their latest project, My Future You, is one of the films in competition in the golden anniversary of the Metro Manila Film Festival.

Homegrown talents of Star Magic, the duo used to be part of Gold Squad, the quartet of teens that were part of the melodrama Kadenang Ginto. With them in the said television project were Andrea Brillantes (Fedelin’s first onscreen partner and ex-girlfriend) and Kyle Echarri (the original love pair of Diaz).

The two also starred in Fractured about a group of teen vloggers trapped in a deserted island where a killer lurks.

They were also part of the most watched primetime guilty pleasure Dirty Linen, adding the teen angst and romance story arc.

In all these projects, FranSeth (official portmanteau of the team-up), was eclipsed by intrigues (thanks, but no thanks, to the bizarre love triangle courtesy with Brillantes), the short-lived BL pairing of Sean Tristan and Raven Rigor and the scene stealer that was Daniela Stranner in the stranded in the island teen show and, of course, the larger than life storyline and characters in Janine Gutierrez together with John Arcilla, Janice de Belen and Ms. Tessie Tomas and the rest of the dysfunctional Fieros.

Thus, one cannot help but wonder, are the two ready for their cinematic close-ups and all the demands and expectations thrown at lead stars now that are elbowing their way to the main race?

Future is bright

The story of star crossed lovers living in different timelines is, of course, the major pull of the FranSeth movie.

Director Crisanto Aquino said: “The story of two young people meeting and making a connection in different timelines, to me, is the biggest strength of the movie’s narrative. A song once said that love moves in mysterious ways; here, the movement is more than a mystery, it’s magical.”

“Yes, I am aware of the fact that there have been other films with the same narrative. However, I always believe that there are many fresh ways to bring an idea into fruition and when people get to watch Francine who gives life to Karen who is in the present time, and Seth as Lex, who is from 15 years ago, their cosmic meeting is written in the stars, and they are destined to make each other happy.”

On and off screen, the chemistry they share and the winsome personalities of FranSeth adds as another major attraction to the Regal Films’ MMFF entry.

“I enjoy watching them,” said director Aquino. “Francine and Seth have been supportive of each other throughout the filming process. Hindi sila naghihiwalay. Kahit sa pagkain, nagsusubuan. Nakakakilig silang panoorin (They are inseparable. Even when they are eating, they feed each other. They are thrilling to watch) as young actors.”

The lead stars are the marquee attractions of the movie. They are happy for the trust and support given to them by Regal Films and their director. They are ecstatic to be together in a movie, a “dream come true” moment. The challenges posed by their respective roles, both are in agreement that it helped them grow as actors individually and collectively, and that all they want, to give emotional truth to their respective roles, Karen and Lex. They are nervous, they are not denying the fact, but that kind of nervousness, they use to motivate themselves to give their best in the movie, and enjoy it for what it is, a feel good one with a lot of heart, kilig, tears, relatability and honesty.

Speaking of playing it for real, the possibility of building a deeper relationship beyond their professional partnership, the FranSeth duo come clean about it.

Fedelin said: “I can’t say she is my future. But I hope she could be. All I can say now is that I am at peace, happy and content. So maybe it’s her.

“I am also giving my best to gain the trust of her parents,” the 22-year-old added. “I believe that it is most important that I get their approval, before moving our friendship to another level. What I went through to be able to hold Francine’s hand again is no joke. I want her parents to feel that their child is safe with me.”

From the pretty Miss Diaz, she said: “That I share a connection with Seth, I cannot deny that. However, I prefer to take things slowly. It is best we focus first on our careers, studies and families for now.”

Definitely, youngmaster Fedelin will not languish in the friend-zoned category. Diaz said: “I feel like he could be the one, but for my future, I don’t want something overly romantic. One day at a time muna tayo. Basta, the future is bright for the two of us.”

The biggest movie come-on is that the MTRCB rated it for General Patronage — more can therefore watch it.

My Future You, produced by Regal Films, showing in cinemas nationwide, in this year’s MMFF golden celebration.