Judy Ann Santos, Lorna Tolentino unite in ‘Espantaho’ for MMFF 2024

Two iconic names in Philippine cinema, Judy Ann Santos and Lorna Tolentino, are set to grace the big screen together in the highly anticipated horror film Espantaho. The film, directed by the acclaimed Chito S. Roño and written by Chris Martinez, will premiere on December 25, 2024, as part of the Metro Manila Film Festival’s (MMFF) 50th-anniversary celebration.

The excitement surrounding the movie heightened during its press conference on December 9 at Novotel, Araneta City. Both Judy Ann Santos and Lorna Tolentino shared their thoughts about the project, the challenges they faced, and the significance of the film in their careers.

During the press conference, Judy Ann Santos opened up about her perspective on awards and the film’s overall success:

“Para lahat ata po ng nominado gugustuhin naman, ‘di ba? Pero siguro napaka-cliché kung sabihin kong ‘okay na. Kung okay na na maging box office na lang kami.’ Napaka-plastic naman din kung sasabihin kong ‘hindi ko nais magkaroon ng award,’ ‘di ba? But kung ano ang nakikita ng hurado, kung kanino siya dapat mapunta, do’n ako nagtitiwala. Naniniwala akong maganda ang project namin and binitbit namin ang bawat isa sa proyektong ito. Kung ano ang magiging resulta sa dating na awards night, napaka-bonus na talaga no’n. Being included in this wonderful film… that alone is a reward and a gift already for me – for Christmas and for everyone. Yung award, buong buo na siguro yung 2024 kung nagkataon.”

Judy Ann Santos also talked about the challenges she faced when taking on the project, particularly in balancing her time and being selective with her roles:

“Challenging alone yung schedule kasi. Nagiging mapili lang sa projects for the simple reason na ibinigay ko na rin naman pati ang kaluluwa ko noong bata ako sa industriyang ‘to. So, may mga pagkakataon na talaga na sisinsinin mo yung tatanggapin mo kung minsan.

“I think it’s just about time na makagawa ulit ng pelikula because it’s been five years already. Nando’n kasi din siguro yung point na sakto lahat, nasa timing lahat. Nagkataon no’ng in-offer sa akin itong movie, patapos na ako ng Bagman. Ngayon kasi, ang inaano ko na lang, one project at a time para lang makapag-focus na ako doon sa paisa-isang proyekto, just to be fair sa producer, sa director.”

Veteran actress Lorna Tolentino, who plays the role of Rosa, the mother of Santos’ character, shared her gratitude for being chosen for the role:

“Nagpapasalamat ako kay Ate V. [Vilma Santos] siyempre, unang-una at maraming salamat. Pangalawa, nagpapasalamat ako kay Atty. Joji atsaka kay Direk Chito na ako yung naisip nila para sumunod na choice nila for Ate V’s role.”

Lorna Tolentino further explained how she approached her character and the dynamics she shared with her co-stars:

“Yung role ko po dito ay nanay ni Juday [Judy Ann Santos]. Kung sa pagbigay ng buhay sa role ko as Rosa, ang masasabi ko lang humuhugot ako sa napakagagaling na kasama ko… Most specially kay Juday, sa kanya ako humuhugot talaga ng… lahat ng mararamdaman. Bale siya yung action, ako yung reactionary sa bawat binibigay niya. And same thing with Chanda [Romero].”

‘Espantaho‘ also stars Janice de Belen, Mon Confiado, JC Santos, Nico Antonio, Donna Cariaga, Kian Co, Tommy Abuel, Archie Adamos, and Eugene Domingo. Directed by the masterful Chito S. Roño, with a screenplay written by Chris Martinez, and produced by Atty. Joji Alonso of Quantum Films, Espantaho brings together an all-star cast and creative team poised to deliver a haunting and unforgettable cinematic experience.

The collaboration between Judy Ann Santos and Lorna Tolentino, alongside their remarkable supporting cast and direction, has already generated excitement for Espantaho. As the MMFF 2024 celebrates 50 years of cinematic excellence, this horror film promises to captivate audiences and add to the festive holiday spirit.