''Clarita'' is a 2019 Philippine supernatural horror film directed by Derick Cabrido and starring

Jodi Sta. Maria Jodi Chrissie Garcia Sta. Maria (born June 16, 1982) is a Filipino actress. Sta. Maria was recognized as one of the most sought-after actresses in the entertainment industry. She is best known for her iconic roles in ABS-CBN drama shows. One o ...

. It was based on the alleged

possession Possession may refer to: Law * Dependent territory, an area of land over which another country exercises sovereignty, but which does not have the full right of participation in that country's governance * Drug possession, a crime * Ownership * ...

of Clarita Villanueva.

Cast

as Clarita Villanueva * Ricky Davao as Fr. Salvador * Arron Villaflor as Fr. Benedicto *

Nonie Buencamino Anthony Buencamino (born November 28, 1966), professionally known as Nonie Buencamino, is a Filipino character actor known for his theater work. He is strongly associated with Philippine New Wave Cinema, playing roles such as Mayor Bartolome in Jun ...

as Mayor Arsenio Lacson

Production

''Clarita'' is based on the story of the alleged

of Clarita Villanueva in the 1950s. It was produced under Black Sheep Productions. Director Derick Cabrido first learned about the story while he was still working with the GMA television series '' Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho'' through newspaper clippings. He took an interest in the story which had garnered wide domestic and international attention at the time. He learned that various Catholic and other Christian groups came to resolve her case. Cabrido leaned to director-writer Cenon Palomares to help adapt the story into a feature film. The production team largely had to rely to newspaper clippings since broadcast media in the Philippines in the 1950s was absent with the country still recovering from the aftermath of World War II. They were also not able to interview any heir of Villanueva for potential material for the film. They also tried acquiring rights to use footage of the alleged possession from the British Broadcasting Corp. (BBC), but the BBC declined. The production team approached the

Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines The Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines; ceb, Hugpong sa mga Obispo nga Katoliko sa Pilipinas; bcl, Komperensya kan mga Obispo Katoliko kan Pilipinas; hil, Komperensya sang mga Obispo Katoliko sang Pilipinas; ilo, Kumperensya ti ...

to talk to priests who perform exorcisms as well as secured a transcript of Clarita's exorcism. However the team decided against using the material due to it being deemed too "personal" and failure to secure consent from the Catholic Church, and the parties directly involved.

Release

The film premiered in cinemas in the Philippines on June 12, 2019.

Reception

The film grossed by June 27, 2019.

References

{{reflist Horror films based on actual events Films about exorcism Films about Satanism Films about spirit possession Films set in the 1950s Filipino-language films Philippine horror films