Just like any 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.
Thus, the cast and crew of the much anticipated horror-comedy film appeal to Filipino moviegoers to watch the film when it opens on April 13.
“Sana sumugod sa sinehan ang milyon-milyong nag-aabang sa Echorsi’ sa opening day pa lang para manatili ito sa line up ng mga pelikula,” says Alex Medina, who 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 portrays the role of Carlo, a sweet-tongued and charismatic gigolo possessed by a spirit of a gay after his lover Kristoff (John Lapus) died.
The film, which also top bills Callalily vocalist Kean Cipriano as 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 the film. 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.
Out-of-the-box Comedy
According to Cahilig, Echorsis is an intelligent and out-of-the-box brand of comedy.
“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 the producer. “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.”
Echorsis takes pride in bringing together a powerful and award-winning production team 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.
Echorsis has been the talk of the town 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 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.