The Philippines’ Viva Communications is gearing up to bring a slate of horror films to Hong Kong FilMart, with acclaimed director Mikhail Red’s latest chiller, Lilim, leading the lineup.
Premiering in the Philippines earlier this month, Lilim is set against the country’s turbulent 1970s and 1980s. The story follows a brother and sister who seek refuge in a secluded orphanage amid social unrest.
However, what starts as a sanctuary soon turns into a nightmare as they uncover dark cult practices and an ancient evil lurking beneath the surface. The film stars Heaven Peralejo, Eula Valdez, Mon Confiado, and Ryza Cenon.
“Viva Philippines will be launching several horror titles that will be released this year—one of which is Mak Mak, a remake of the box office hit Pee Mak,” said Vincent Del Rosario, president and COO of Viva Communications. “Local horror stories such as Talim Island and Rosario will also be featured.”
Rosario, directed by Bobby Bonifacio Jr., is inspired by a Filipino superstition that a broken rosary must be placed in the hands of the dead.
When an unbroken rosary is mistakenly left with a deceased woman, it triggers a deadly family curse. Meanwhile, Talim Island, helmed by Roni Benaid, carries the ominous tagline: “Blood of the Cursed.”
Viva’s horror focus is part of a larger content strategy. “Due to the success in our platforms, we will be showcasing as well our latest adult titles and our YA series, some of which are adaptations from Wattpad stories,” Del Rosario noted.
The company is also looking for collaboration opportunities. “Our IPs are available for remake, and we are continuously in search of good IPs that we can do a local remake of as well,” said Del Rosario. “Viva Communications is open to co-production with other territories.”
