ASIA’S FIRST DEMONIC POSSESSION ON FILM
This work is inspired by the real-life story of Clarita Villanueva, whose name was all over the news in the 1950s because of the claims that she had experienced a demonic possession
It was in 1953 when the name, Clarita Villanueva, became the talk of the town because of an unusual phenomenon. In different accounts, it was claimed that she was possessed by demonic spirits while in jail.
The story of the 17-year-old — the first reported demonic possession in Asia — is the inspiration behind Black Sheep’s movie Clarita, which locally has a total gross of over P70-million as of 27 June.
The film is inspired by the mystery behind the story on what occurred during Clarita’s (Jodi Sta. Maria) demonic possession and exorcism, where her faith and those of the people who tried to help her were tested because of the obstacles they had to overcome.
The film’s director, Derick Cabrido, studied the records of Villanueva’s case and found out that she was from the province and went to Manila to look for her father. She was then jailed and although it was suspected that the possessions started even before that time, it became more haunting when she was already behind bars.
Meantime, this is Jodi’s first foray to this genre, which she admitted really pushed her to her limits, especially since she chose to do all her scenes without a stunt double. “It was not easy, the process in making the film was not easy. But seeing the finished product, we can say it was rewarding,” said Jodi.
Also part of the film are Ricky Davao, Nonie Buencamino, Romnick Sarmenta, Arron Villaflor and Alyssa Muhlach.
Overall, according to the movie review by Julia Alende published on the entertainment portal Pep.ph, Clarita is “proof that Filipino horror can achieve greater heights and can be both grotesque but sophisticated at the same time.”
Clarita screens on 14 July in Paris, France; 26 July in the United States; 28 July in Dublin, Ireland; and 4 August in Oslo, Norway.
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The film’s director, Derick Cabrido, studied the records of Villanueva’s case and found out that she was from the province and went to Manila to look for her father.