Lovi Poe, Enchong Dee, US actor Timothy Granaderos cast in ‘The Sacrifice’
Lovi Poe (second from right) is one of the lead stars of the upcoming psychological horror film “The Sacrifice.” Image: Instagram/@lovipoe
Lovi Poe, Enchong Dee, and Filipino-American actor Timothy Granaderos are joining forces in the upcoming psychological horror film “The Sacrifice,” which will touch on Filipino folklore.
“The Sacrifice,” which was announced during a launch event with select reporters, is directed by Prime Cruz with original screenplay by fellow filmmaker Jerrold Tarog. Also joining the cast are director Lav Diaz, Tommy Alejandrino, and Louie Chapman.
Produced by Poe’s C’est Lovi Productions, the film kicked off production, although details on its release date are yet to be revealed.
“It is a blessing. It’s an honor to be associated with such great and talented people. That’s something I’m really, really excited about,” Poe said of the project, adding that she is also excited to be working with Diaz as a co-actor.
“I [always] want to be one of Lav’s actresses, but to be sharing a scene with him, God, thank you,” she said.
Meanwhile, Alejandrino drew laughs as he said there is “no pressure” to be working with Cruz, Tarog, and Diaz at the same time.
“There is no pressure and a lot of positive [reinforcements coming into this project]. I want to bring everything I’ve got to the table, and even more. Magpapakitang gilas tayo (I’m going to do my best),” he said.
Lovi Poe (center) is one of the lead stars of the upcoming psychological horror film “The Sacrifice.” Image: Hannah Mallorca/INQUIRER.net
Dee, on the other hand, said while he acknowledges the pressure to be working with three filmmakers in different aspects of the film, he said “knowing [their] designation” is what he “always makes sure to do” in a project.
“I worked on some projects before where the brilliant Laurice Guillen and Gina Alajar were actors, but they’re directors at the same time. But if you work with them in a production where they are actors, they will work as actors. Which I’m also excited to see [with Direk Lav],” he said.
“Everyone gets to work with Lav Diaz as a director, but not everyone gets to work with Lav as an actor. There is that unique experience entering into the production,” Dee added with a knowing smile.
Uniquely Filipino
Opening up about his Filipino roots, Granaderos said working on the film is a way for him to get in touch with his heritage. The “13 Reasons Why” star’s father hails from Zamboanga.
“I’m on a quest to get close to my roots being half Filipino. For the past five years, I’ve made it a goal to connect with who I am as a Filipino. Back in Hollywood, there are a lot of Filipinos in the industry. When you meet one Filipino, you meet them all,” he said. “It will be so cool to see cultures come together.”
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Since the film touches on Filipino folklore, the “Pinoy Big Brother” host said “The Sacrifice” is a project that can be “shared to the whole world.
“I always wanted to experience different productions, directors, and processes of my co-actors. This is why I’m so, so excited because everyone that you’re seeing, these are all [my] first-time [co-workers]. I get to see how they internalize their characters and do their processes,” said Dee.
“This is a story that we can share with the whole world where [people] can get a taste of Filipino culture,” he continued.
According to Cruz, the film’s synopsis revolves around five vloggers in search of something in a forest until they uncover an ancient secret.
