Toronto International Film Festival's ‘Small Voices’ Director Gil Portes Creates Horror Film; Kiko Matos Describes ‘Hukluban’ Thrilling

Toronto International Film Festival's 'Small Voices' Director Gil Portes Creates Horror Film; Kiko Matos Describes 'Hukluban' Thrilling  

Known for his 2002 drama film "Small Voices," Gil Portes is back with a horror flick titled "Hukluban" (The Crone).

Co-directed with Adolfo Alix, Jr., "Small Voices" premiered on Sept. 10, 2002 at the Toronto International Film Festival and was the only Filipino film released by Warner Bros. Pictures to date. In 2003, it earned Portes Best Director award at the Palm Beach International Film Festival and a Golden Kinnaree Award nomination at the Bangkok International Film Festival.

In his new gothic romance "Hukluban," Krista Miller plays the title character opposite Kiko Matos, who made his debut in Jason Paul Laxamana's "Babagwa" and played Solenn Heusaff's leading man in Benito Bautista's "Mumbai Love."

Like Miller, Matos is new to the said festival although he appeared in two films "Edna" and "Ronda" in the recently concluded Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival 2014.

Seven says before the premiere night of "Hukluban," I got the chance to interview the "Hukluban" leading man.

 

CS: I know that you're busy so I'm gonna ask you three questions only.

KM: Go.

CS: How was it working with Direk Gil Portes?

KM: It was an amazing experience working with a master film maker as Direk Gil Portes. He is a very honest man, and he will not hold back when he speaks his mind.

CS: How about Krista Miller?

KM: I had a great time working with Krista, as well. It was easy for me to get to know her and to play her leading man. She is not fussy at all and she is very professional as well. I would love to work with them anytime soon.

CS: Do you believe in crones?

KM: Yes, I believe in crones.

 

But what exactly is a hukluban (crone)?

Defined as "a withered, witchlike old woman," a crone is similar to the hag in "Hansel and Gretel" while hukluban is the metamorphic goddess of death in Filipino folklore, according to Phil Star.

"Hukluban" is loosely based on the 1983 thriller "Gabi Kung Sumikat Ang Araw," which was also directed by Portes, who is also known for his Moscow International Film Festival-nominated film "Saranggola" in 1999 and his SoHo International Film Festival-nominated film "Pitik Bulag" in 2010.

 

CA: Last question, Kiko. I want you to describe the film "Hukluban" in three words.

KM: (paused for a few seconds) Romance, thrilling... Gil Portes.

 

In the upcoming Sineng Pambansa Horror Plus Film Festival 2014 of the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP), "Hukluban" will go against Edgardo "Boy" Vinarao's "Bacao," Romy Suzara's "Sigaw sa Hatinggabi" and Peque Gallaga and Lore Reyes' "T'yanak."

"Hukluban" premieres on Oct. 21, Tuesday at 7 p.m. at SM North EDSA's Cinema 1. 

 

 

Tags : Gil Portes Small Voices Hukluban Kiko Matos Krista Miller warner bros pictures Toronto International Film Festival Palm Beach International Film Festival The Crone Mumbai Love Sineng Pambansa Horror Plus Film Festival 2014