Fil-Am young actor takes on first lead role in Jay Silverman’s ‘Camera’
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Jay Silverman’s latest film, “Camera,” offers a refreshing departure to the cinematic landscape often dominated by dialogues by exploring the subtleties of nonverbal communication.
Leading the narrative is young Filipino American actor Miguel Gabriel, whose performance brings depth to the character of Oscar.
Set against the backdrop of a small town, “Camera” follows the journey of nine-year-old Oscar, who navigates the challenges of his new environment without the ability to speak.
Alongside his widowed mother Evelyn, played by Jessica Parker Kennedy, Oscar finds solace in his father’s broken camera, an object that becomes emblematic of his unspoken emotions.
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The role holds dearly to the young actor’s heart as when he was younger, he also had a speech impediment where he could not speak clearly.
“So I went to a speech therapist and she suggested theater for me because I was again expressive through my face and body language,” he told Inquirer.net USA. “So when I did theater, it helped me get over it, and now I get to use that experience, those feelings I felt, and use it to be Oscar.”
He began acting in theater at the age of five, voiced a character in “Puss and Boots: The Last Wish” and has also made appearances on ABC’s “How to Get Away with Murder.”
According to the San Luis Obispo film review, the heart of the film lies in the unlikely friendship between Oscar and Eric, a seasoned repairman portrayed by Beau Bridges.
Through their shared moments of camaraderie and quiet understanding, Eric becomes a mentor to Oscar, teaching him the art of photography and imparting invaluable life lessons along the way.
In a review by the same film festival, Gabriel’s portrayal of Oscar is praised for its authenticity and emotional resonance, saying, “Kudos to the captivating performance by Miguel Gabriel as Oscar. His eyes, especially, speak volumes, proving there are a multitude of ways to communicate—without speaking a word.”
Expressing his thoughts about the role, Gabriel remarked that the film is “more grounded and personal in a storytelling way,” and it is his first project where he was the main lead.
When asked about the kind of message his character and the film he hopes the viewers will catch, it is “that even though the world can be cruel, there is always room for kindness, that art can impact people’s lives, and that being yourself with a kind heart can heal someone’s wounds like how Oscar helped Eric with his grief over the loss of his son.”
The film is part of the San Luis Obispo International Film Festival lineup, which begins April 25, and will be screened at the Beverly Hills Film Festival on May 3.
Watch the trailer:
