This early, Espantaho lead actress Judy Ann Santos is being mentioned as a best actress contender in this year’s MMFF. Talks are even circulating that come the awards night, the possibility of three Santoses proclaimed as victors is not remote. The two others are Vilma Santos for Uninvited and Aicelle Santos for Isang Himala.
When asked by this columnist about winning the award, Santos said: “Any actress who is part of this year’s MMFF would love to have both, kumikita na yung movie mo sa takilya tapos may award ka (that your movie is making money and that you receive an award). I think it will be such a cliché if sabihin ko na okay na yung sa (I say that I am happy with just success at the) box office. And I think no one will believe if I say na okay na ako sa nominasyon (that I would be happy with just a nomination) and not want an award. However, it’s the judges who will choose who they think and feel deserves the trophy. What I can say is that itong pelikulang ito, nagbigayan, nagtulungan kaming lahat. Binitbit naming ang isa’t-isa. (for this film, we all helped and supported each other. We carried each other through). Whatever will be the outcome during the awards night, bonus na yun (that would be a bonus). Being part of Espantaho is already a gift, a beautiful and memorable gift. Kung papalarin na maging best actress in this year’s MMFF, masasabi ko na buong-buo na ang 2024 ko pag nagkataon (If I am fortunate enough to win as best actress in this year’s MMFF, then I can say my 2024 has been truly full). “
Espantaho brings the scare and scream
For some twisted and weird reason, Pinoy moviegoers flock to horror movies during the holiday season. It must be due to the fact that too much “ho-ho-ho” and “decking the halls with bough of holly” need to be shaken off and also, all the screaming and shouting may burn the added Christmas calories.
No, this is definitely not about that friendly Scarecrow, which became one of the comrades of Dorothy in Wizard of Oz. This scarecrow, with a foreign-sounding name, Espantaho, makes everyone curious. The motion picture with its riveting narrative is written by Chris Martinez, directed by Chito Rono and produced by Atty. Joji Alonso of Quantum Films as an official entry to the golden anniversary of the Metro Manila Film Festival.
Its formidable cast includes Judy Ann Santos, Lorna Tolentino, Chanda Romero, Janice de Belen, Eugene Domingo. Tommy Abuel, Mon Confiado, Nico Antonio, Archie Adamos, Donna Cariaga, Kian Co and JC Santos.
This is director Rono’s sixth horror movie and his silver screen comeback after the real-life horrific episode that was the pandemic.
Dream come true
As Quantum Films celebrates two decades of cinematic excellence, film maven Atty. Alonso shares her Espantaho experience: “I liked the idea that the horror element in the movie would emanate from a certain object,” said the film producer when asked what made her greenlight the motion picture.
“But, more importantly, it revolves around a family and that, for me, made it all the more special. When it was pitched to me, there was no script yet, just a synopsis, but it already showed so much potential. It intrigued and made me all the more curious of its potential and possibility. Yung gut feel ko, I knew this was going to big, extraordinary and scary,” she added.
Working with film master Chito Roño was a dream come true for the producer. “I’ve always wanted to work with him. I loved his films since I saw Itanong Mo Sa Buwan, a film that starred Jaclyn Jose (+. I was always on the lookout for what he would do next. As a fan of Pinoy movies, alam nating lahat that when he directs a film, alam mong quality, may kwento and katuturan. I was so fortunate when he offered me the Espantaho project,” she said.
How did you assemble the cast and why them? The DAILY TRIBUNE opinion columnist replied: “Juday was on board from the start. Direk Chito and I bounced off possible actors for the film per character and he gave his final approval. We chose actors who excelled in their craft whose persona would match the character in the film.”
From a producer’s point of view, the strengths of Espantaho as a horror film, she said, are: “Amazing performances from the ensemble cast, outstanding visual effects, great story telling.”
Hopeful that the film gets its fair share of recognition, positive word of mouth and success at the box office, Alonso said, “It’s a really good film. You will know why when you watch it.”