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After its world premiere at the 54th International Film Festival Rotterdam, the horror movie Lilim will be shown in local cinemas starting Wednesday, March 12.

Director Mikhail Red expressed his excitement to hear the reactions of Pinoy audiences before its premiere night on Monday night, March 10, at the SM The Block in Quezon City.

“Sobrang thankful kami for all the reactions and good reviews. Siyempre, we're looking forward sa reaction ng Pinoy audience. Iba pa rin yung sa Pilipinas mo siya mapapanood. We're very proud and honored to have premiered outside the country, but this is the intention talaga namin, for the Filipino audience,” Direk Mikhail told entertainment media in a brief interview.

He added, “Sobrang thankful kami for all the reactions and good reviews. Siyempre, we're looking forward sa reaction ng Pinoy audience. Iba pa rin yung sa Pilipinas mo siya mapapanood. We're very proud and honored to have premiered outside the country, but this is the intention talaga namin, for the Filipino audience.”

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At the media conference held recently, Direk Mikhail explained how competitive the Philippine horror movies are abroad.

He said, “I think 'yung horror kasi very visual, very universal. I think fear is very universal. Even subtitled horror films ay naa-appreciate ng masang Pinoy theatrically. So, 'yung scares, 'yung themes ng horror ay napaka-existential, so nakaka-relate kahit saan kaya madali rin siyang i-distribute.

“I think 'yung horror is escapist din siya lalo na dito sa Philippines kaya nagpa-flock 'yung audiences sa horror just like romance or rom-com. Parang barkada movie rin siya kasi minsan hindi lang siya scare. After the jumpscare nga, maririnig mo sa cinema tatawa sila kasi may release of tension. I think, 'yun ang reason kaya napaka-successful ng horror.

“Siguro compared to other genres din, mas feasible siya; mas concept ang horror as imagery rather than action na expensive to do properly or at least convincing na makaka-compete ka sa Hollywood.”

Direk Mikhail also admitted that this was one of the reasons he has been doing suspense-horror movies. Before this, Mikhail also directed Nokturno (2024) and Deleter (2022).

He said, “Yung horror, may palag tayo as a developing country na mas realistic ang resources natin, mas kaya nating i-match kung ano 'yung ine-export ng neighbors natin sa South East Asia. Kasi, mas nadadala siya ng atmosphere, ng concept, rather than production value like exploding helicopter, na hindi natin kayang pumantay. Hindi natin kayang pumantay sa Hollywood kasi mas malaki ang audience nila.

“I think, 'yun ang reason kaya very realistic to export na genre coming from Filipino filmmakers. We can also, siyempre, include yung culture natin, yung subtext ng stories natin. Even though yung package niya ay genre, malaki ang audience niya worldwide. So yeah, I think 'yung opportunity doon kaya nag-gravitate ako, personally, towards horror.”

Lilim is about the story of Issa (Heaven Peralejo) and her brother Tomas (Skywalker David), who uncover dark happenings in an orphanage.

The film also features actresses Eula Valdez, Ryza Cenon, Phoebe Walker, and Nicole Oemillo. Joining them in the cast are Mon Confiado, Rafa Siguion-Reyna, and Gold Aceron.

Meanwhile, here are some actresses who starred in television horror specials: