This year’s Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) broke barriers for presenting films we’ve never seen in previous runs of the festival. One of the favorite entries was Erik Matti’s Seklusyon, the moody and atmospheric film that follows four young deacons who battle the devil’s temptations while staying in a secluded church. Now, fans can enjoy the horror film as the international director’s cut will be screened this weekend!
The news was announced by the director on Facebook, who said he wanted to share the cut, which has never been screened in local cinemas.
The first screening will tomorrow, in a still undisclosed theater. The screening will be free, and will have a question and answer portion with the director, cast, and crew. There is still no word if the first screening will be open to the public.
Seklusyon follows four young deacons as they undergo a week-long seclusion before they enter priesthood. It is part of a tradition where it is believed that the devil’s temptations are strongest during the last seven days of a deacon’s preparation. A young healer and a mysterious nun join them, and the young deacons are plagued by evil forces preying on their deepest fears and darkest secrets.
The film stars Ronnie Alonte, Rhed Bustamante, Phoebe Walker, Neil Ryan Sese, Lou Veloso, and Dominic Roque.
The Hollywood Reporter, a respected industry publication, praised the film, saying “Set mostly within the confines of a rickety house in the middle of nowhere, the film provides chilling bursts of outright shock and sepia-tinged, creepy atmospherics. Unflinching in its darkness, it spirals toward an all-out horrifying climax.”
Matti is an acclaimed director who helmed the films Scorpio Nights 2, Tiktik: The Aswang Chronicles, On the Job, and Honor Thy Father. He is currently doing pre-production for this year’s adaptation of Darna, which will be played by Angel Locsin.
Seklusyon won nine out of 13 nominations in the awards night, winning Best Director, Best Supporting Actress (Phoebe Walker), Best Cinematography, Best Screenplay, Sound Design, Production Design, Best Original Theme Song (“Dominus Miserere” by Francis de Veyra), Special Jury Prize (Rhed Bustamante), and Male Celebrity of the Night (Ronnie Alonte).
Are you excited to see the international director’s cut? Share your thoughts below!
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