Home to the world’s most popular series and Hollywood movies, FOX is set to give the Filipino audience a good scare with their newest must-watch film.
Screening in cinemas nationwide this summer is “Maledicto,” promoted as a “bone-chilling tale about faith and evil” and the first locally-produced film by Fox Networks Group Philippines.
The film is co-produced by Cignal Entertainment and Unitel, with ABS-CBN Films tapped as distributor and directed by Mark Meily.
Maledicto tells the story of Father Xavi (played by Tom Rodriguez), a former psychologist who becomes a skeptical exorcist following the tragic death of his sister, Mara (played by Inah de Belen). He meets Sister Barbie (played by Jasmine Curtis-Smith), a young nun who has the gift of charism. Together, they face the case of Agnes (played by Miles Ocampo), a seemingly perfect teenager who starts manifesting demonic behavior that rocks the foundations of the church.
In a media interview, Jude Turcuato, Senior Vice President and General Manager of FOX Networks Group Philippines, expressed his excitement for the upcoming film:
“Maledicto is a really big feat for FNG, being the first ever film we’ve produced locally, with an all-Filipino cast at that. With Maledicto under our belt, we’re hoping to elevate Filipino cinema to one of a Hollywood pedigree.”
The lead actors have also expressed enthusiasm on being part of FOX’s first film, saying it was an opportunity to play roles that stray from the norm of romance and loveteams.
When asked why they opted for the horror genre instead of rom-com for their debut as film producer, Turcuato said the main reason was the quality of the story.
Turcuato adds, “I felt like that it would entertain people differently as a genre. It’s a horror-thriller. I think most of the Philippine horror, is just horror. There’s no thriller aspect to it. That combination, for this one, was the one we felt would give us a really good shot.”
Maledicto also serves as Mark Meily’s comeback to the genre. The award-winning director (Crying Ladies, Baler, La Visa Loca, etc.) last did horror in 2016 with Elemento starring Cristine Reyes.
Through thorough planning, the film crew spent at least two years on studying nearly 100 scripts and pitches before going for Maledicto. The original production started filming in March 18 and the movie is now “99 percent complete.”
Let us know in the comments section below if you are also excited to see the first Fox Filipino-produced film, Maledicto, set to premiere on May 1 in cinemas nationwide!
Like, Follow, Subscribe to GoodNewsPilipinas.com Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Good News Pilipinas! TV on YouTube, new story notifications and e-mail newsletters for updates on more Filipino Pride stories.
