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| FROM LEFT: Rosemarie Smith, John Renz Cahilig, Dominic Orjalo, Nika de Guzman and Jeremiah Allera |
There's a reason "Lisik Origin Point" has zombies for monsters instead of creatures based on Pinoy folklore such as the tikbalang, kapre or aswang.
"Zombie movies match our setting which hapoens to be in a school," explained director John Renz Cahilig at a recent press conference. "At saka mas pinili naming grounded ang creature kesa mythical because we're not going for magical or fantasy, but for the action/thriller genre."
Still, the director looks forward to doing movies based on FIlipino mythical creatures and he hopes for it to be one of international caliber.
Set in high school ala the Korean movie "All Of Us Are Dead," "Lisik" sees Kara (Grace Rosas Tayo) struggling with the loss of her brother, bullied to death, while her friend and classmate Elisha (Nika De Guzman) is consumed by anger toward the bullies headed by Max (Jeremiah Allera). A mysterious infection turns their school into a nightmare, transforming students into flesh-eating monsters. Elisha uncovers the truth behind the experiments and hunts the bullies, but the infection takes her too. She urges Kara to escape with vital documents. Kara sacrifices herself to save a young boy. Elisha, the last survivor, is found by her policeman brother, her eyes glowing blue despite the bite.
Cahilig enjoyed doing the action scenes most because in his mind, he already saw how the special effects they planned to use in each would heighten it.
"Naaatat ako i-edit agad pagkakatapos ng shoot," he said. "Wala pa kasing edit ay alam mong maganda ang kinalabasan kahit hindi pa man nakulayan."
We asked the actors how does one get into a zombie movie. Do the roles go to those who run the fastest or scream the loudest? Or who looks most terrified?
Well, in the end---whatever the genre---acting skills is king next to the story. According to the stars of "Lisik," they learned the lines well, did their research on the characters and just gave it their all during auditions.
"As executive producer, I’m on a mission to put Filipino talents front and center in the world of filmmaking," said Dominic Orjalo, also a school owner. "I’m determined to create films that show the world that Filipino talent can stand toe-to-toe with the best in the industry."
He added: “’Lisik Origin Point is the result of blood, sweat, and tears, and I’m beyond proud of what we've accomplished."
Bankrolled by Domniel International Films Production, opens in cinemas nationwide on Feb. 19.
And get this: Even before "Lisik" gets its baptism of fire, the story is crafted in a way to warrant sequels as in a universe of stories ala Marvel or the Twilight series.
"The ‘Lisik Origin Point’ universe is vast, and there’s so much more to explore. Stay tuned, because there are tons of exciting surprises coming your way in the future!" said Cahilig.
Also in the cast are Rosemarie Smith, Ramon Christopher, Revers Quilario, Joshua Cantuba, Rain Mirasol, and Jossah Mae Sison.
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