Sharon Cuneta is known for her dramatic roles, most of which have become iconic characters that people can easily associate with the megastar. Hence, when news came out that she’s starring in a horror flick, movie fans were initially shocked.
Little did many people know, the 53-year-old actress, singer and TV host is a huge fan of horror films. She can even reenact scenes from big horror movies where there’s demonic possession. She can name the title and the director of little known hallow flicks that are not even available on mainstream media.
This fact, and Kuwaresma’s gripping story written by Katski Flores and Erik Matti made Sharon say yes to the movie project, which is a collaboration between Reality Entertainment and Globe Studios. Her dream to work with Matti in a movie also convinced her to do Kuwaresma even when shooting required her to stay more than a month in Baguio City.
“The guy’s a master of cinematic language, the horror genre is unquestionably his domain. I’m so glad to come back to my craft in this way,” Sharon said of Matti.
“Creatively, this is one of the most rewarding, satisfying collaborations I have had. He’s a director who knows what he wants, whose passion and integrity for a film will inspire your own well of creativity to keep flowing, who will not compromise his vision while allowing and protecting your own,” she added.
The film also marks Sharon’s first team up with actor John Arcilla, who is best remembered for the blockbuster biopic Heneral Luna.
He himself has a lot of good things to say about the brilliant director.
“Film enthusiasts, the intellectuals and people from all walks of life can surely relate to this family drama/horror film directed by master storyteller Erik Matti,” Arcilla said.
About Sharon, the director shares how she went all-out for Kuwaresma.
“Ang dami niyang ginawang pisikal. Emotional, sobra! ‘Yung iyakan, ang dugo talaga! Ang maganda kay Sharon, mataas ang respeto niya sa mga direktor. Pag umoo na siya sa project, ibibigay niya ang sarili niya.”
Apart from the two big stars, introducing in Kuwaresma, in their first movie, are real-life siblings Pam and Kent Gonzales.
Pam, prior to landing the role, has dabbled in modeling and beauty contests aside from exposures in various TV series. She plays Sharon and John’s daughter in the movie, who died mysteriously. Erik Matti has nothing but nice words to the two, especially Kent whom he said was a big revelation in Kuwaresma.
“Nag-audition siya (Kent). Sobrang ‘raw’ pero nakikita mong yung utak niya kung paano gumalaw. Unang eksena with Sharon, iyakan, pasok agad siya. Hindi siya natakot kay Sharon,” the seasoned director proudly said of the 17-year-old young actor.
A mega star, a bankable actor, and two outstanding newcomers, all under the tutelage of a master director, form a powerhouse cast for a unique story about a mother willing to risk her everything to end the nightmare haunting her family.
Fresh from Reality Entertainment’s blockbuster action film, Buy Bust in 2018, Kuwaresma is the first of its three ventures with Globe Studios, including Erik Matti’s On The Job 2.
Head of Globe Studios Quark Henares says, “I’m very excited to be part of Kuwaresma as this is our first venture into horror, and I’m a major horror fan. I’m also a big Erik Matti fan, and am looking forward to this first of many productions we’ll be doing with him and Reality Entertainment.”
He also appeals to the public to support local cinema by going to movie theaters. “Watching films in theaters is a national pastime, and that sense of community and family that movies bring is invaluable. Horror is especially fun to watch in groups, so please make sure you watch Kuwaresma with friends and family at the movies!”
Kuwaresma counts as Sharon’s gift to her fans, followers, and supporters in celebration of her 40th year in show business.
This epic movie team up of Sharon Cuneta, John Arcilla, and Erik Matti unspools in theatres nationwide May 15.
