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. Rono. 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 Santos on the big screen with a promise to push boundaries of Filipino story telling. Meanwhile, Lorna Tolentino reunites with Roño, following their successful projects, “Patayin Sa Sindak Si Barbara” (1995) and “Narito Ang Puso Ko” (1992).
This is the film that showcases the brilliance of Filipino actors, Judy Ann, and Lorna, and their performances in “Espantaho” elevate the horror genre to new heights along-side 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.
The screenplay, written by the brilliant Chris Martinez, perfectly balances horror, drama and social realism, making “Espantaho,” a stand-out entry in MMFF 2024!
During the Espantaho media conference, the cast praised master director Chito Roño for his demanding yet rewarding approach to film making, emphasizing the importance of being fully prepared and adaptable in their roles. Although Roño is often regarded as a "strict director," the actors took his rigorous methods in stride, understanding that it was vital for their growth as artists. Roño explained the film's title, Espantaho, reflects its intriguing mystery, akin to the public's curiosity about Feng Shui during the release of his previous work. He expressed confidence that as filming progressed, the film would naturally evolve, aligning more closely with his creative vision.
Watch more below as the cast Judy Ann Santos, Lorna Tolentino, Chanda Romero, Eugene Domingo, Janice De Belen, JC Santos, Tommy Abuel, Mon Confiado, Nico Antonio, writer Chris Martinez and director Chito Roño share their fond moments and take us behind the scenes in filming Espantaho.
According to lawyer-producer, Atty. Joji Alonso, on her Facebook post, “This is also my biggest-budgetted film to date. All because we wanted to give our all, to stay true to the vision of our director
“This would be my 6thhorror 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.
Catch it in cinemas nationwide this MMFF 2024 beginning December 25!
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