If you want to just kick back, relax and enjoy yourself at the movies , veering away from the usual gut-wrenching and conscience-banging societal themes from indie movies, this film is for you! Sadly, like any other independently produced Filipino film, “Echorsis: Sabunutan Between Good And Evil” by critically acclaimed director Lemuel Lorca is at risk of being pulled out of movie houses if it doesn’t perform well on its first day.
Therefore, the much anticipated and talked about horror-comedy film’s team appeals to all Filipino moviegoers to watch “Echorsis” on April 13, its opening day.
“Sana sumugod sa sinehan ang milyon-milyong nag-aabang sa ‘Echorsis’ sa opening day pa lang para manatili ito sa line up ng mga pelikula,” says Alex Medina, himself no newbie to indie movies, and plays the lead role of a gay-swindling gigolo in the movie.
“Naranasan namin sa ‘Heneral Luna’ na matanggal dahil mahina ang benta ng ticket nung first day,” he relates. “Mabuti na lang naging matagumpay ang campaign sa social media na madagdagan ang mga sinehan.”
In “Echorsis: Sabunutan Between Good and Evil,” Medina aptly portrays the role of Carlo, a sweet-tongued and charismatic gigolo, who was possessed by a gay spirit after the death of his lover Kristoff (John Lapus).
The film, which likewise topbills the multi talented Callalily vocalist Kean Cipriano as a closeted gay priest—Father Nick, was written by Jerry Gracio and produced by Chris Cahilig of Insight 360. It is rated R13 by the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB).
Lapus is optimistic that Filipino audiences—particularly the lesbian, gays, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community—will rally behind “Echorsis.” However, he encourages them to come out and watch the film on its first day, to ensure its long run in the cinemas.
“Nababasa namin sa comments sa official trailer ng Echorsis na maraming naghihintay na ipalabas ito. Sana lang maglabasan sila sa April 13 kasama ng kanilang mga friends para manood bago pa maging huli ang lahat,” he stresses.
“Echorsis” truly is an intelligent and out-of-the-box brand of comedy that brings to the forefront the realities of being in love, or out of love, no matter your sexual preference, age or religion in a light yet truthful manner.
“The Filipino moviegoers are ready for a black comedy like ‘Echorsis.’ The box-office records of well-made films such as ‘That Thing Called Tadhana,’ ‘English Only,’ and ‘Heneral Luna’ gave us the courage to push through with the project despite its unconventional plot,” explains Cahilig.
“I am confident that apart from enjoying the patronage of the LGBT community, ‘Echorsis’ will likewise lure the straight population to the cinemas because of its organic humor and its message of love, forgiveness, and acceptance,” he further shares.
Kudos to the talented “Echorsis” Team bringing together a powerful and award-winning production led by Lorca, who recently won the best picture trophy in CineFilipino for his film “Ned’s Project.” He is joined by cinematographer Sasha Palomares, editor Benjamin Tolentino, production designer Paul Infante, assistant director Lorna Sanchez, line producer Sarah Pagkalinawan-Brakensiek, and production manager Rowena Concepcion. International composer and arranger Jonathan Ong and his Sonic State Studio team did the music and scoring. Beautiful effects that is admirably believable was delivered giving more life to the lives of th Triumvirate in the movie.
“Echorsis” has been the talk of the town even weeks prior to its April 13 opening in cinemas nationwide. Its official trailer has so far gone viral and received over four million views.
Completing the ensemble cast of “Echorsis” are Alessandra de Rossi, Chokoleit, Kiray Celis, Mich Liggayu, Ruby Ruiz, Negi Negra, Bekimon, Nico Antonio, Francine Garcia, Odette Khan, and 1:43’s Yuki Sakamoto, Anjo Resurreccion, Gold Aquino, and Yheen Valero.
“Echorsis” is supported by BellaVita Land Corp. and McJim Classic Leather.
