Espantaho
| Espantaho | |
|---|---|
 Theatrical release poster | |
| Directed by | Chito S. Roño |
| Screenplay by | Chris Martinez |
| Produced by | Patricia Sumagui |
| Starring | |
| Cinematography | Neil Daza |
| Edited by | Benjo Ferrer |
| Music by | Von de Guzman |
Production companies |
|
Release date |
|
Running time | 90 minutes |
| Country | Philippines |
| Language | Filipino |
Espantaho (lit. 'Scarecrow') is a 2024 Philippine supernatural horror film directed by Chito S. Roño from a screenplay by Chris Martinez.[1] It stars Judy Ann Santos and Lorna Tolentino.[2] The film is part of ten official entries to the 50th Metro Manila Film Festival.
Plot
[edit] | This article needs an improved plot summary. (January 2025) |
The film will focus on the traditional funeral rituals and customs at the Lazatin-Henson-Katigbak Mansion (Mexico, Pampanga).[3] During the nine days vigil (pasiyam) and wake (paglalamay) food and drinks are served. The narrative sequences from Monet and Rosa's mourning of the family patriarch Pabling where a horrifying secrecy and an evil death plot surface, even during the funeral procession, carrying of the hearse and entombment in the Catholic cemetery.[4]
Cast
[edit]- Judy Ann Santos as Monet[5]
- Lorna Tolentino as Rosa; her role was supposed to be played by Vilma Santos. Vilma stated that there was some "problem" on the character and later withdrew from the project to act in Uninvited, which Vilma said is a "dream story".[6][7] This marks Tolentino's return to acting in horror films since 1995's Patayin sa Sindak si Barbara.[8]
- Chanda Romero as Adele; Romero's role was supposed to be played by Charo Santos.[6]
- Janice de Belen as Andie
- JC Santos as Jack
- Mon Confiado as Roy
- Nico Antonio as Henri
- Donna Cariaga as Frida
- Kian Co as Keith
- Eugene Domingo as Georgia
- Tommy Abuel as Prof. Manalastas.[9]
- Junyka Santarin as young Rosa
Production
[edit]On September 12, 2024, Quantum Films in their 20th year anniversary revealed in their social media page their upcoming horror film titled Espantaho with its logo and official cast leading by Judy Ann Santos and Lorna Tolentino. Aside from Santos and Tolentino, Chanda Romero, Mon Confiado, JC Santos, Donna Cariaga, Nico Antonio, Kian Co and Janice de Belen are confirmed to be part cast with Tommy Abuel and Eugene Domingo revealed that have special roles in the film.[10]
Release
[edit]The film was released theatrically on December 25, 2024, as part of the 2024 Metro Manila Film Festival.[11] The film also scheduled to premier at Manila International Film Festival (MIFF) in Los Angeles on January 30, 2025.[12]
Accolades
[edit]| Award | Date of ceremony | Category | Recipient(s) | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 Metro Manila Film Festival | December 27, 2024 | Best Actress | Judy Ann Santos | Won | [13] |
| Best Supporting Actress | Lorna Tolentino | Nominated | |||
| Chanda Romero | Nominated | ||||
| Best Screenplay | Chris Martinez | Nominated | |||
| Best Cinematography | Neil Daza | Nominated | |||
| Best Production Design | Angel Diesta | Nominated | |||
| Best Editing | Benjo Ferrer | Nominated | |||
| Best Sound Engineering | Alex Tomboc & Lamberto Casas Jr. | Nominated | |||
| Best Musical Score | Von De Guzman | Nominated | |||
| Best Visual Effects | Gaspar Mangarin and Walter Monte | Nominated | |||
| Best Child Performer | Kean Co | Nominated | |||
| Best Float | Espantaho | Nominated |
References
[edit]- ^ Asis, Salve (August 4, 2024). "Feng Shui ni Kris ginagawan na ng series; direk Chito wala nang gana sa horror" [Feng Shui of Kris is on the works as a series; director Chito was tired in horror]. The Philippine Star. Retrieved October 22, 2024.
- ^ Bonoan, Reggee (September 4, 2024). "Juday mananakot sa horror movie na 'Espantaho', ilalaban sa 2024 MMFF?". Inquirer Bandera. Retrieved October 22, 2024.
- ^ Ubaldo, John Elmer (January 21, 2014). "Ancestral houses to showcase Mexico's history, culture". SunStar. Retrieved December 27, 2024.
- ^ Sallan, Edwin (December 26, 2024). "Juday, Lorna, Chanda lead stellar cast of MMFF horror entry, 'Espantaho'". BusinessMirror. Retrieved December 27, 2024.
- ^ Deveza, Reyma (October 16, 2024). "Judy Ann Santos stars in new horror movie with Lorna Tolentino". News.ABS-CBN.com. Retrieved October 22, 2024.
- ^ a b PEP Troika (September 11, 2024). "Cast Reveal: Judy Ann Santos at Lorna Tolentino bida sa Espantaho" [Cast Reveal: Judy Ann Santos and Lorna Tolentino main leads in Espantaho]. PEP.ph (in Filipino). Philippine Entertainment Portal, Inc. Retrieved October 22, 2024.
- ^ Santos, Rhea Manila (November 24, 2024). "Vilma Santos reveals why movie with Judy Ann Santos didn't push through". ABS-CBN News (in English and Filipino). Retrieved November 26, 2024.
- ^ Krishnan, Ganiel (November 25, 2024). "Lorna Tolentino returns to horror after 29 years with MMFF entry 'Espantaho'". ABS-CBN News (in Filipino). Retrieved November 26, 2024.
- ^ Gonzalez, Joseph (December 16, 2024). "Judy Ann Santos haunts MMFF with 'Espantaho'". manilastandard.net. Retrieved December 19, 2024.
- ^ Evangelista, Jessica Ann (September 13, 2024). "Judy Ann Santos, Lorna Tolentino to team up for new horror film". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved September 20, 2024.
- ^ "Metro Manila Film Festival announces last 5 official entries for 2024 edition". Rappler. Retrieved October 22, 2024.
- ^ Martinez, Gavin (December 31, 2024). "'Hello, Love, Again' returns to LA as part of MIFF 2025". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved January 2, 2024.
- ^ Reyes, Juno (December 28, 2024). "FULL LIST: Winners, 2024 MMFF Gabi ng Parangal". Rappler. Retrieved December 28, 2024.
