Pwera Usog
| Pwera Usog | |
|---|---|
| Directed by | Jason Paul Laxamana |
| Starring | |
| Cinematography | Rommel Sales |
| Edited by | Ilsa Malsi |
| Music by | Paulo Protacio |
Production companies | Regal Entertainment LargaVista Entertainment |
| Distributed by | Regal Films |
Release date |
|
| Country | Philippines |
| Language | Filipino |
Pwera Usog is a 2017 Philippine horror thriller film directed by Jason Paul Laxamana. It was produced under Regal Entertainment.
Plot
 | This article needs a plot summary. (April 2018) |
Cast
- Joseph Marco as Sherwin
- Sofia Andres as Jane
- Albie Casiño as Bobby
- Devon Seron as Luna
- Kiko Estrada as Quintin
- Aiko Melendez as Minda
- Eula Valdes as Catalina
- Erlinda Villalobos as Magda
- Cherise Castro as Val
Production
Pwera Usog was directed by Jason Paul Laxamana’ under the film studio, Regal Entertainment. The members of the cast of Pwera Usog was selected by Regal Entertainment rather than Laxamana. Laxamana, whose first horror film was Pwera Usog, says it is a challenge directing a film belonging to the horror genre and mentioned how there must be a proper build up before executing the "moment of horror". He directed the film in the premise on how to startle people who have seen horror films and other scary videos online.[1]
The film's theme is centered on usog an affliction in Filipino superstition associated with being greeted by a stranger. Pwera Usog was targeted towards a young demographic particularly the "urban millennial". Laxamana incorporated technology and social media, as well as used a cast composed of mainly millennial to connect with the target demographic and introduce to them the concept of usog without alienating them.[2]
Laxamana described the direction of the film as deviating from Asian horror-type of films the Philippine audience is used to which employs shock and surprise tactics and promise the audience of more "action scenes" which he says will surprise viewers but leave them laughing at themselves at their own reactions. The director said he was also inspired from a "side" of him for the directorial decision of adding "disgusting scenes" to Pwera Usog and narrated on how he liked to scare his family and friends as a child by describing scenarios that will make them grossed out or uncomfortable.[2]
Release
Pwera Usog was among the three films Regal Entertainment planned to submit as an entry at the 2016 Metro Manila Film Festival.[3] The film was not selected as one of the eight official entries of the film festival that ran from December 25, 2016 to January 7, 2017. The film had an official trailer which garnered at least 5 million views online.[4] In March 8, 2017, the film had its theatrical debut in Philippine cinemas.[2]
The film was screened at the 17th Neuchâtel International Fantastic Film Festival in Switzerland, a genre film festival which ran from June 30 to July 8, 2017.[5]
Reception
The Cinema Evaluation Board gave Pwera Usog an "A" rating.[4]
References
- ^ Mauricio-Arriola, Tessa (28 February 2017). "Three young females and a horror flick". The Manila Times (in English and Filipino). Retrieved 23 March 2018.
- ^ a b c Cruz, Marinel (27 February 2017). "Directing a horror flick, Jason Paul Laxamana-style". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved 23 March 2018.
- ^ "os ng Regal sa movie ni Piolo, X6!". Pang-Masa. The Philippine Star. 2 September 2016. Retrieved 23 March 2018.
- ^ a b Carvajal, Donny Anne (13 March 2017). "What makes 'Pwera Usog' a different kind of horror film". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved 23 March 2018.
- ^ "Two PH films in Switzerland". Philippine Daily Inquirer. 28 June 2017. Retrieved 23 March 2018.