Pinoy horror films in competition

After a series of horror movies we had watched — some of which we liked and some disliked — the trend continues like it normally does in October and November. The best we had watched so far was Annabelle where the lead was a devil doll which didn’t have to act to frighten all in the audience.

We have now readied ourselves for the Pinoy variety which we are certain will come across so much better since the situations are very familiar to us. We can’t imagine how an American viewer will relate to a situation where a White Lady will appear on the street to ask for directions, then flies away as if she has wings.

The Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP), in partnership with SM Manila, has produced the Sineng Pambansa Horror Plus Film Festival presenting four of the best choices from those submitted. They are Bacao directed by Boy Vinarao, Hukluban from Gil Portes, Sigaw sa Hatinggabi from Romy Suzara and T’yanak from Peque Gallaga and Lore Reyes.

Following Sineng Pambansa’s basic mission to support and produce high-quality films made by Filipinos for the Filipino public, the Horror Plus Film Festival had zeroed in on four horror films directed by master Filipino directors that feature Filipino folklore, plus a unique mix of other film genres with the traditional horror component.

The dynamic co-directing duo of Peque Gallaga and Lore Reyes has had directed over 20 titles together, including Magic Temple and Sonata which have all won awards. For this year’s Horror Plus Film Festival, Peque and Lore have brought back T’yanak, a remake of their 1988 horror film. It stars Judy Ann Santos, Solenn Huessaff, Tom Rodriguez and Sid Lucero in a chilling story about a seemingly innocent infant who transforms into a hideous creature that terrorizes those living in a small village.

Hukluban is the entry of award-winning director Gil Portes, starring a fresh cast of Krista Miller and Kiko Matos. Hukluban is the story of Mira, a young and beautiful woman who finds herself under the spell of a sinister old woman. She is in search of a true love to break the spell. Direk Gil is well-remembered for his films Miss X, Merika, Markova and GATAS…Sa Dibdib ng Kaaway.

Direk Romy, best known for his Pag-ibig na Walang Dangal, Mga Uod at Rosas and Pepeng Shotgun, brings to the screen Sigaw sa Hatinggabi, which is set in an old house where a documentary TV production crew is ready to record a “spirit of the glass” encounter that might help solve a murder said to have been committed by a ghost. The cast includes Regine Angeles, Richard Quan, Afi Africa, Vangie Labalan, Chanel Latorre, David Karell, Alvin Anson and Paloma.

Direk Boy shared with us details from his entry Bacao. Shot in his hometown of Isabela, he casts Michelle Madrigal as the childless wife of Arnold Reyes. Bacao is the translation for corn in the language of Isabela. The village experiences a bountiful harvest of corn in the film, the direct opposite of Michelle’s barren condition. Bacao therefore is the life blood of Michelle’s life. Direk Boy has received a number of awards as film editor and director from the FAMAS, the Film Academy and the Metro Manila Film Festival.

Check your SM theater directory for screenings. Watch all or your best choice of winner.

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