# Espantaho

Espantaho (lit. 'Scarecrow') is a 2024 Philippine supernatural horror film directed by Chito S. Roño from a screenplay by Chris Martinez. It stars Judy Ann Santos and Lorna Tolentino. The film is part of ten official entries to the 50th Metro Manila Film Festival.

## Plot

The film will focus on the traditional funeral rituals and customs at the Lazatin-Henson-Katigbak Mansion (Mexico, Pampanga). During the nine days vigil (pasiyam) and wake (paglalamay) food and drinks are served. The narrative sequences from Monet and Rosa's mourning of the family patriarch Pabling where a horrifying secrecy and an evil death plot surface, even during the funeral procession, carrying of the hearse and entombment in the Catholic cemetery.

## Cast

* Judy Ann Santos as Monet
* Lorna Tolentino as Rosa; her role was supposed to be played by Vilma Santos. Vilma stated that there was some "problem" on the character and later withdrew from the project to act in Uninvited, which Vilma said is a "dream story". This marks Tolentino's return to acting in horror films since 1995's Patayin sa Sindak si Barbara.
* Chanda Romero as Adele; Romero's role was supposed to be played by Charo Santos.
* Janice de Belen as Andie
* JC Santos as Jack
* Mon Confiado as Roy
* Nico Antonio as Henri
* Donna Cariaga as Frida
* Kian Co as Keith
* Eugene Domingo as Georgia
* Tommy Abuel as Prof. Manalastas.
* Junyka Santarin as young Rosa

## Production

On September 12, 2024, Quantum Films in their 20th year anniversary revealed in their social media page their upcoming horror film titled Espantaho with its logo and official cast leading by Judy Ann Santos and Lorna Tolentino. Aside from Santos and Tolentino, Chanda Romero, Mon Confiado, JC Santos, Donna Cariaga, Nico Antonio, Kian Co and Janice de Belen are confirmed to be part cast with Tommy Abuel and Eugene Domingo revealed that have special roles in the film.

## Release

The film was released theatrically on December 25, 2024, as part of the 2024 Metro Manila Film Festival. The film also scheduled to premier at Manila International Film Festival (MIFF) in Los Angeles on January 30, 2025.

## Accolades

Accolades received by Espantaho :
| Award | Date of ceremony | Category | Recipient(s) | Result |
| 45th Fantasporto International Film Festival | March 8, 2024 | Best Actress | Judy Ann Santos | Won |
| 2024 Metro Manila Film Festival | December 27, 2024 | Best Actress | Judy Ann Santos | Won |
| 2024 Metro Manila Film Festival | December 27, 2024 | Best Supporting Actress | Lorna Tolentino | Nominated |
| 2024 Metro Manila Film Festival | December 27, 2024 | Best Supporting Actress | Chanda Romero | Nominated |
| 2024 Metro Manila Film Festival | December 27, 2024 | Best Screenplay | Chris Martinez | Nominated |
| 2024 Metro Manila Film Festival | December 27, 2024 | Best Cinematography | Neil Daza | Nominated |
| 2024 Metro Manila Film Festival | December 27, 2024 | Best Production Design | Angel Diesta | Nominated |
| 2024 Metro Manila Film Festival | December 27, 2024 | Best Editing | Benjo Ferrer | Nominated |
| 2024 Metro Manila Film Festival | December 27, 2024 | Best Sound Engineering | Alex Tomboc & Lamberto Casas Jr. | Nominated |
| 2024 Metro Manila Film Festival | December 27, 2024 | Best Musical Score | Von De Guzman | Nominated |
| 2024 Metro Manila Film Festival | December 27, 2024 | Best Visual Effects | Gaspar Mangarin and Walter Monte | Nominated |
| 2024 Metro Manila Film Festival | December 27, 2024 | Best Child Performer | Kean Co | Nominated |
| 2024 Metro Manila Film Festival | December 27, 2024 | Best Float | Espantaho | Nominated |