A reunion: Chito Roño, Judy Ann Santos and Lorna Tolentino

This Christmas season, prepare for an unforgettable cinematic experience as Quantum Films brings to the Filipino audiences Espantaho for the 50th Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) 2024.

Espantaho, a gripping horror-drama, is helmed by the master of Philippine horror cinema, Chito S. Roño. Known for his iconic blockbusters Feng Shui (2004), Sukob (2006) and The Healing (2012), Rono continues to redefine the genre by weaving compelling narratives with bone-chilling suspense.

Espantaho is a Tagalog word that means “scarecrow.” It is borrowed from the Spanish word espantajo, the root of the word is pantaho or the scrarecrow. In Portuguese, it is called, Espantalho.

Espantaho delivers an eerie tale of love, betrayal and mystery. The film features the powerhouse performances of Judy Ann Santos (Monet), Lorna Tolentino (Rosa) and Chanda Romero (Adele), bringing together the Queen of Philippine Soap Opera, an award-winning prime star and a veteran icon for a once in a lifetime cinematic ensemble.

This marks the comeback of Judy Ann on the big screen with a promise to push boundaries of Filipino storytelling. Meanwhile, Lorna Tolentino reunites with Roño, following their successful projects, Patayin Sa Sindak Si Barbara (1995) and Narito Ang Puso Ko (1992).

Judy Ann admits that she misses making movies especially for the MMFF.

“It’s been a while, it’s been a decade na gumawa ako ng horror film. At ang last entry ko sa MMFF ay five years ago pa (My last movie with the MMFF was five years ago),” Judy Ann said.

This is the film that showcases the brilliance of Judy Ann, and Lorna, and their performances in Espantaho elevate the horror genre to new heights alongside acclaimed actors of our time — Janice de Belen, Mon Confiado, JC Santos Nico Antonio, Donna Cariaga, Kian Co, Tommy Abuel, Archie Adamos and Eugene Domingo.

Grand Slam Queen Lorna Tolentino, meanwhile, is thankful for getting the role after Star for All Seasons Vilma Santos accepted another project.

“Nagpapasalamat ako syempre kay Ate Vi dahil ako ang sumalo ng role, kay Atty Joji Alonzo na nagbigay sa akin ng pagkakataon na ito maraming salamat (I have to thank Vilma Santos for giving me this opportunity and Atty. Joji Alonzo),” Lorna said.

The screenplay, written by the brilliant Chris Martinez, perfectly balances horror, drama and social realism, making Espantaho a stand-out entry in MMFF 2024.

As Quantum Films celebrates two decades of cinematic excellence, Espantaho represents their dedication to groundbreaking  stories that resonate with Filipino audiences. With this film, they honor the artistry of Philippine cinema while pushing its boundaries.

According to lawyer-producer, Atty. Joji Alonso, on her Facebook post, “This is also my biggest-budget film to date. All because we wanted to give our all, to stay true to the vision of our director.

“This would be my 6th horror film in my filmography and I have no doubt that this is the best, to date."

Don’t miss the haunting tale of Espantaho — a story that will keep you on the edge of your seat and linger in your mind long after the credits fall.