Dyesebel (1996 film)

Dyesebel is a 1996 Philippine fantasy film directed by Emmanuel Borlaza. Based on a Philippine graphic novel of the same title by Mars Ravelo, the film stars Charlene Gonzales as the titular mermaid.^[1][2][3][4]

Dyesebel
Directed by	Emmanuel Borlaza
Screenplay by	Emmanuel Borlaza Frank G. Rivera
Based on	Dyesebel by Mars Ravelo
Produced by	William Leary
Starring	Charlene Gonzales
Cinematography	Gener Buenaseda
Edited by	Danny Gloria
Music by	Nonong Buencamino
Production company	Viva Films
Distributed by	Viva Films
Release date	January 4, 1996 (1996-01-04)
Running time	115 minutes
Country	Philippines
Language	Filipino

Cast

• Charlene Gonzales as Dyesebel
• Matthew Mendoza as Fredo
• Gloria Diaz as Banak
• Jaclyn Jose as Lucia
• Julio Diaz as Tino
• Albert Martinez as Gildo
• Kristine Garcia as Betty
• Gary Estrada as Juno
• Charina Scott as Young Dyesebel
• Maritoni Fernandez as Dyangga
• Dindi Gallardo as Bangenge
• Marita Zobel as Issa
• Romeo Rivera as Nilo
• Don Pepot as Mang Kiko
• Vivian Lorraine as Minda
• Ama Quiambao as Instructress

Production

The film was announced in 1994 with Ana Roces initially cast as the titular mermaid.^[5] However, due to her weight problems at that time, the role was later on given to Charlene Gonzales. This prompted Roces to leave Viva Films the following year.^[6]

The character portrayed by Gonzales first appeared in the 1994 film Ang Pagbabalik ni Pedro Penduko.^[7]

Release

The film was slated to be released in late January 1996. However, it was pushed back to January 4, the original release date of Ang Pinakamagandang Hayop sa Balat ng Lupa, which was having release issues in Metro Manila theaters.^[8]