Heaven Peralejo as Issa in the upcoming horror film “Lilim” | Image: Instagram/@red_mikhail
Heaven Peralejo’s upcoming horror film “Lilim” is set to make its world premiere at the 54th International Film Festival Rotterdam in the Netherlands in January.
The news was shared by the film’s director Mikhail Reid on his social media pages on Wednesday, Dec. 18.
“Excited to finally announce the news! Flying to the Netherlands in the winter! “LILIM” will have its world premiere at the 54th International Film Festival Rotterdam! Congratulations to the entire cast and crew!” he captioned his post alongside the film’s international poster.
Started in 1972, the International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR) is an annual film festival held at the end of January in various locations in Rotterdam. It gives focus on independent and experimental films.
In “Lilim,” Peralejo takes on the lead character of Issa, marking her first major foray into the horror genre, although she previously starred in the suspense thriller “Nanahimik ang Gabi” opposite Ian Veneracion.
“Lilim” revolves around the story of Issa (Peralejo) and her brother, who uncover dark happenings in an orphanage where they live.
Aside from Peralejo, the film also features Eula Valdez, who reunites with Red after their work on “Nokturno,” and Ryza Cenon, who recently trended after shaving her head for her role.
Joining the cast as well is Mon Confiado, known for his role in the 2021 film “Arisaka,” and Gold Aceron, known for his role in the 2019 coming-of-age drama film “Metamorphosis.”
In an interview with Spin.PH, Red, known for his award-winning film “Deleter,” starring Nadine Lustre, shared that “Lilim” will continue the Diablo universe from his previous works since one of the film’s characters, Lilith, is a demon.
“I like the idea where it has double meaning. It’s a Filipino title meaning shade or shelter, because it is set in an orphanage. But there’s that sinister feeling where Lilim is like children of Lilith, so there’s a demonic angle to it, but it’s a Tagalog word,” he said at the time.