Scares are one of the most integral parts of making a horror movie. I mean besides a good story and of course, acting, people go to horror movies because they want to be scared. Whether it’s the good old jump scares or scenes that will leave an effect even after watching a movie or a series.
This 2023, horror movies have been one of the most profitable or box-office success in cinemas from Insidious: The Red Door to the slasher Scream VI. Of course, the two, including The Nun are from franchises but there are also original horror movies that had successful theater runs like M3GAN and Talk to Me.
There’s a new Filipino horror movie inspired by a true story – MARITA.
Marita is about a deceased theater actress (Marita, played by Rhen Escaño), who is rumored to have taken her own life on stage out of jealousy. The university’s theater group, Sinag Diwa, is being revived by Sandra (Louise delos Reyes), a new professor. Strange occurrences haunt the theater as they prepare for a play, and rumors of Marita’s vengeful spirit emerge. As opening night approaches, terrifying incidents unfold. The group learns that Marita caused the theater’s closure by taking lives. They seek help from a survivor of her attacks to confront and end her malevolent presence.
How can director Roni S. Benaid make sure that Marita will be worth it to see especially for horror fans?
“Ang laging bilin sakin ng mga producers, every ten (10) minutes or eight (8) minutes nananakot ka. So, I make sure na sa pelikula, bawat chunk or bawat ten to eight minutes may pamparamdam, nagtatanim tayo ng horror, iba’t ibang levels of horror, siyempre sa dulo dun na ‘yung malalang takot. Pero sa mga umpisang part nagta-tanim na tayo ng takot para ma-sustain natin ‘yung interest ng mga manonood,” answers director Roni.
“Mahirap talaga i-entertain ang Pinoy audience. Gusto nila every five (5) to eight or ten minutes merong horror or takot or jump scare na nagaganap sa pelikula,” director Roni continues.
Director Roni S. Benaid is also the director of the recent horror movie Mary Cherry Chua – a sleeper hit which had a month-long run in the cinemas, a rare feat for Filipino movies during the pandemic.
Will you be seeing Marita when it opens in cinemas this November 22?
Marita stars Rhen Escaño, Ashtine Olviga, Andrea Babierra, Yumi Garcia, Ethan David, Taneo Sebastian, Tess Dumpit-Michelena, Sara Joe, JD Axie, Neil Tolentino and Louise delos Reyes. Written and directed by Roni S. Benaid from Studio VIVA and VIVA Films.
Check out photos from the media conference of Marita on our Instagram post:
And check out our video coverage of the media conference below: