Espantaho () is a 2024 Philippine supernatural horror film directed by Chito S. Roño from a screenplay by Chris Martinez. It stars Judy Ann Santos, Lorna Tolentino and Chanda Romero. The film is part of ten official entries to the 50th Metro Manila Film Festival.
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).
Cast Main Cast Judy Ann Santos as Monet Lorna Tolentino as Rosa - 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 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. 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". This marks Tolentino's return to acting in horror films since 1995's Patayin sa Sindak si Barbara. While Chanda Romero's role was supposed to be played by Charo Santos.
Release The film was released theatrically on December 25, 2024, as part of the 2024 Metro Manila Film Festival. The film also scheduled to premier at Manila International Film Festival (MIFF) in Los Angeles on January 30, 2025.
Accolades + Award Date of ceremony Category Recipient(s) Result 45th Fantasporto International Film FestivalMarch 8, 2025Best ActressJudy Ann Santos 2024 Metro Manila Film Festival December 27, 2024Best ActressJudy Ann SantosBest Supporting ActressLorna TolentinoChanda RomeroBest ScreenplayChris MartinezBest CinematographyNeil DazaBest Production DesignAngel DiestaBest EditingBenjo FerrerBest Sound EngineeringAlex Tomboc & Lamberto Casas Jr.Best Musical ScoreVon De GuzmanBest Visual EffectsGaspar Mangarin and Walter MonteBest Child PerformerKean CoBest FloatEspantaho8th EDDYS AwardsJuly 20, 2025Best ActressJudy Ann SantosBest Supporting ActressChanda RomeroLorna TolentinoBest CinematographyNeil DazaBest Visual EffectsGaspar Mangarin and Walter MonteBest SoundAlex Tomboc & Lamberto Casas Jr.2025 FAMAS AwardsAugust 22, 2025Best DirectorChito S. RoñoBest ActressJudy Ann SantosBest Visual EffectsGaspar Mangarin and Walter MonteBest Production DesignAngel DiestaFAMAS Child Icon of Philippine CinemaJudy Ann SantosSusan Roces Celebrity AwardLorna TolentinoNora Aunor Superstar AwardJudy Ann Santos27th Gawad PasadoOctober 25, 2025Pinakapasadong PelikulaEspantahorowspan="10" Pinakapasadong DirektorChito RoñoPinakapasadong AktressJudy Ann SantosPinakapasadong Katuwang Na AktressChandra RomeroLorna TolentinoPinakapasadong Batang Aktor/AktresKain CoPinakapasadong Disenyong ProduksyonAngel B. DiestaPinakapasadong SinematograpiyaNeil DazaPinakapasadong EditingBenjo FerrerPinakapasadong TunogAlex Tomboc & Lamberto Casas Jr.41st Star Awards for MoviesNovember 30, 2025Movie of the YearEspantahorowspan="13" Movie Director of the YearChito S. RoñoMovie Actress of the YearJudy Ann SantosMovie Supporting Actress of the YearChanda RomeroLorna TolentinoChild Performer of the YearKian CoMovie Ensemble Acting of the YearEspantahoMovie Screenwriter of the YearChris MartinezMovie Cinematographer of the YearNeil DazaMovie Editor of the YearBenjo FerrerMovie Musical Scorer of the YearVon De GuzmanMovie Production Designer of the YearAngel DiestaMovie Sound Engineer of the YearLamberto Casas & Alex Tomboc
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