Espantaho
2024 supernatural horror film by Chito S. Roño
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Espantaho (lit. 'Scarecrow') is a 2024 Philippine supernatural horror film directed by Chito S. Roño from a screenplay by Chris Martinez.[1] It stars Judy Ann Santos, Lorna Tolentino and Chanda Romero.[2] The film is part of ten official entries to the 50th Metro Manila Film Festival.
| Espantaho | |
|---|---|
Theatrical release poster | |
| Directed by | Chito S. Roño |
| Screenplay by | Chris Martinez |
| Produced by | Patricia Sumagui |
| Starring | |
| Cinematography | Neil Daza |
| Edited by | Benjo Ferrer |
| Music by | Von de Guzman |
Production companies |
|
Release date |
|
Running time | 90 minutes |
| Country | Philippines |
| Language | Filipino |
Plot
The film opens on the death of the family patriarch, Pabling. Pabling's daughter, Monet, who is mourning over his death had a seizure and lost consciousness. While unconscious, Monet had a vision of her father warning her not to let "him" into the house.
This film focuses on the traditional funeral rituals and customs at the Lazatin-Henson-Katigbak Mansion (Mexico, Pampanga).[3]
Cast
Main Cast
- Judy Ann Santos as Monet[4]
- Lorna Tolentino as Rosa[5] - mother of Monet
- Chanda Romero as Adele - legal wife of Pabling
- Agung Gede as Evil
- Janice de Belen as Andie - Roy's sister and Monet's half-sister
- JC Santos as Jack - Monet's lover and Keith's father
- Mon Confiado as Roy - Andie's brother and Monet's half-brother
- Nico Antonio as Henri
- Donna Cariaga as Frida
- Kian Co as Keith - son of Monet and Jack
- Eugene Domingo as Georgia
- Tommy Abuel as Prof. Manalastas[6]
- Archi Adamos as Silvio Madamba
- Junyka Santarin as young Rosa
- Atasha Franco sa young Monet
Production
On September 12, 2024, Quantum Films in their 20th year anniversary revealed in their social media page their upcoming horror film titled Espantaho with its logo and official cast leading by Judy Ann Santos and Lorna Tolentino. Aside from Santos and Tolentino, Chanda Romero, Mon Confiado, JC Santos, Donna Cariaga, Nico Antonio, Kian Co and Janice de Belen are confirmed to be part cast with Tommy Abuel and Eugene Domingo revealed that have special roles in the film.[7]
The role of Lorna Tolentino was supposed to be played by Vilma Santos. Vilma stated that there was some "problem" on the character and later withdrew from the project to act in Uninvited, which Vilma said is a "dream story".[5][8] This marks Tolentino's return to acting in horror films since 1995's Patayin sa Sindak si Barbara.[9] While Chanda Romero's role was supposed to be played by Charo Santos.[5]
Release
The film was released theatrically on December 25, 2024, as part of the 2024 Metro Manila Film Festival.[10] The film also scheduled to premier at Manila International Film Festival (MIFF) in Los Angeles on January 30, 2025.[11]
Accolades
| Award | Date of ceremony | Category | Recipient(s) | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 45th Fantasporto International Film Festival | March 8, 2025 | Best Actress | Judy Ann Santos | Won | [12] |
| 2024 Metro Manila Film Festival | December 27, 2024 | Best Actress | Judy Ann Santos | Won | [13] |
| Best Supporting Actress | Lorna Tolentino | Nominated | |||
| Chanda Romero | Nominated | ||||
| Best Screenplay | Chris Martinez | Nominated | |||
| Best Cinematography | Neil Daza | Nominated | |||
| Best Production Design | Angel Diesta | Nominated | |||
| Best Editing | Benjo Ferrer | Nominated | |||
| Best Sound Engineering | Alex Tomboc & Lamberto Casas Jr. | Nominated | |||
| Best Musical Score | Von De Guzman | Nominated | |||
| Best Visual Effects | Gaspar Mangarin and Walter Monte | Nominated | |||
| Best Child Performer | Kean Co | Nominated | |||
| Best Float | Espantaho | Nominated | |||
| 8th EDDYS Awards | July 20, 2025 | Best Actress | Judy Ann Santos | Nominated | [14][15] |
| Best Supporting Actress | Chanda Romero | Nominated | |||
| Lorna Tolentino | Won | ||||
| Best Cinematography | Neil Daza | Nominated | |||
| Best Visual Effects | Gaspar Mangarin and Walter Monte | Won | |||
| Best Sound | Alex Tomboc & Lamberto Casas Jr. | Nominated | |||
| 2025 FAMAS Awards | August 22, 2025 | Best Director | Chito S. Roño | Nominated | [16] |
| Best Actress | Judy Ann Santos | Nominated | |||
| Best Visual Effects | Gaspar Mangarin and Walter Monte | Won | |||
| Best Production Design | Angel Diesta | Nominated | |||
| FAMAS Child Icon of Philippine Cinema | Judy Ann Santos | Won | |||
| Susan Roces Celebrity Award | Lorna Tolentino | Won | |||
| Nora Aunor Superstar Award | Judy Ann Santos | Won | |||
| 27th Gawad Pasado | October 25, 2025 | Pinakapasadong Pelikula | Espantaho | Nominated | [17] |
| Pinakapasadong Direktor | Chito Roño | ||||
| Pinakapasadong Aktress | Judy Ann Santos | ||||
| Pinakapasadong Katuwang Na Aktress | Chandra Romero | ||||
| Lorna Tolentino | |||||
| Pinakapasadong Batang Aktor/Aktres | Kain Co | ||||
| Pinakapasadong Disenyong Produksyon | Angel B. Diesta | ||||
| Pinakapasadong Sinematograpiya | Neil Daza | ||||
| Pinakapasadong Editing | Benjo Ferrer | ||||
| Pinakapasadong Tunog | Alex Tomboc & Lamberto Casas Jr. | ||||
| 41st Star Awards for Movies | November 30, 2025 | Movie of the Year | Espantaho | Pending | [18][19] |
| Movie Director of the Year | Chito S. Roño | ||||
| Movie Actress of the Year | Judy Ann Santos | ||||
| Movie Supporting Actress of the Year | Chanda Romero | ||||
| Lorna Tolentino | |||||
| Child Performer of the Year | Kian Co | ||||
| Movie Ensemble Acting of the Year | Espantaho | ||||
| Movie Screenwriter of the Year | Chris Martinez | ||||
| Movie Cinematographer of the Year | Neil Daza | ||||
| Movie Editor of the Year | Benjo Ferrer | ||||
| Movie Musical Scorer of the Year | Von De Guzman | ||||
| Movie Production Designer of the Year | Angel Diesta | ||||
| Movie Sound Engineer of the Year | Lamberto Casas & Alex Tomboc |