CineEnkanto returns to Iloilo, celebrating Ilonggo cinema with a fresh slate of short films that delve into folklore, horror, and supernatural themes.
The event, organized by Apassa Projects in partnership with UP Visayas’ Office of Initiatives in Culture and the Arts and the Center for West Visayan Studies, will run on Nov. 8 and 9 at the UPV Cinematheque in Iloilo City.
Eight films by Ilonggo filmmakers will feature unique narratives exploring themes of possession, ritual, and dark magic, bringing eerie and thrilling experiences to the screen. Tickets are priced at PHP 120, available at Thrive Art Gallery in Atria, Iloilo City.
CineEnkanto aims to showcase the rich and often underrepresented world of Ilonggo horror and fantasy. “It’s a way to celebrate our own stories, traditions, and imaginations,” said Raymund Salao, director of Animo and Ang Tinuga sa Espejo. “Our culture is rich with mythical stories that are meant to intrigue and entertain audiences.”
Salao’s Animo follows a boy who gains supernatural powers from a warrior’s spirit, only to face the ironic struggle of sacrificing his own free will. Another work by Salao, Ang Tinuga sa Espejo, centers on a man plagued by an inner entity, blurring the lines between self and supernatural.
Other films on the lineup include Hila(U)was by Dennis Hubag, which explores themes of regret and violence through a mother-son relationship that takes a horrific turn. Jayson Amiel Cineta’s Amiel: Modern Surwano introduces viewers to a ritualistic murder investigation, putting a twist on the traditional detective story.
“Ilongo folklore and legends are full of twists and moral undertones,” noted Vincent Montaño, director of Taglugar, which tells the story of a young woman who turns to a healer to escape a malevolent entity. “Films like these bring folklore to life, especially for younger generations who may not know these stories.”
Attendees can expect to see a range of storytelling styles and themes that reflect the region’s diverse culture and mystical heritage.
Here are the schedules and full lineup of the screenings:Top of Form
Screenings at UPV Cinematheque on the following dates-
November 8, 2024 – 5:30 PM
November 9, 2024 – 1:00 PM
November 9 2024 – 3:00 PM
November 9 2024 – 5:30 PM
Here is the complete lineup with synopses-
- ANIMO
written & directed by Raymund Salao
A Kid gets possessed by the spirit of a Warrior, inherits his superpowers and battles intruders who threaten the safety of his family. But he later realizes the irony that he has to sacrifice his freewill to fight evil.
- HILA(U)WAS
written & directed by Dennis Hubag
A mother awakens from a slumber and is slain and devoured by her own son whom she gives birth to. After a realization of what he has done, the son surrenders to himself and admits his awful deed and awaits the coming of the truth.
- AMIEL: MODERN SURWANO
written and directed by Jayson Amiel Cineta
Amiel and his sidekick tikboy have been tasked with investigating a strange murder that has been happening in their town. The victims strangely enough are all been killed in some sort of ritualistic way. Will they be able to find the murderer before all is too late? Or will the murderer find them first?
- ANG TINUGA SA ESPEJO
written & directed by Raymund Salao
Pablo wakes up one day with a dizzy blur on his mind, he feels as if he could not remember some things in his mind. He spends the day with voices in his head and a feeling of nausea. He later realizes that he feels an entity inside of him trying to break free. He visits a mysterious psychic and reveals to him that he is indeed haunted by an entity inside him, and he must unlock his mind to understand his fate.
- BAYLO
written & directed by Ramjun Clemente Valasote
A single mother struggles to have her sick child healed from unknown sickness and engaged into dark magic to save her child. But there’s more to her dark secret that will unravel the things she never wanted to reveal.
- TAGLUGAR
written & directed by Vincent Montaño
A young woman, tormented by a malevolent entity, turns to a folk healer known for his unconventional methods. Accompanied by her trusted friend to bear witness the final ritual, the woman seems to find hope, only to uncover an even greater deception.
- BILOG ANG BULAN
directed by Tin Velasco
Sypnosis:
Elsa prepares her child before she abandons her. Because today, on the night of the full moon, Elsa will become a monster.
- LIWAT
written & directed by Raymund Salao
A story that delves into the essence of hell and the realization that the true demons that embody hell are the sins of man
CineEnkanto is also brought to you by:
The Daily Guardian
Thrive Art Gallery
LoCo Local Coffee
Milk & Tea
DYRI RMN Iloilo RMN Iloilo
