From the team behind the Philippines’ longest-running, most-watched, and most-acclaimed television news magazine program and the producers of the 2023 and 2024 MMFF Best Pictures Firefly and Green Bones — comes KMJS’ Gabi ng Lagim The Movie.
Presented by Miss Jessica Soho, KMJS’ Gabi ng Lagim The Movie features a star-studded cast led by Jillian Ward, Sanya Lopez, Elijah Canlas, and Miguel Tanfelix. Unlike many horror films and series driven by pure fiction, this highly anticipated movie draws its terror from three meticulously researched stories, all inspired by real events.
For more than a decade, Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho’s Gabi ng Lagim has been the most popular and highly anticipated Halloween special on Philippine television. From ghost stories to supernatural beings, urban legends, and demonic possessions, it has consistently showcased real people’s paranormal encounters, supported by facts and investigations. It also stands as the country’s most viewed Halloween special online, with over 700 million views since 2013. Its cinematic reenactments, directed by some of the country’s top filmmakers, complete the show’s unforgettable Halloween experience.
This year, the phenomenal annual Halloween special of KMJS breaks new ground as it makes its way to the big screen, featuring three distinct stories directed by acclaimed filmmakers Yam Laranas, Dodo Dayao, and GMA Public Affairs’ homegrown talent, King Mark Baco.
“Kung natuwa po kayo sa handog ng KMJS na Gabi ng Lagim – ‘yung aming yearly Halloween special, ito na po ‘yung next level – mapapanood na ang Gabi ng Lagim sa big screen!” shared Soho.
She added that bringing the well-loved TV special to the big screen is really special.
“Kung nagku-kwento ka, it should not matter kung anong screen ka nakikita – ang panlaban naman namin ay ‘yung content namin. But having said that, mas may advantage din syempre ‘pag sa big screen. Kasi sa maliit na screen lang natin, sa TV, it’s just a viewing experience. Pero when you go inside the dark movie theater, tapos sense-surround ang audio, maririnig mo ‘yung mga hiyawan sa mga scene – ibang klase di ba? Total experience siya. That is what makes this movie special. Mas kumpleto ‘yung experience, mas matindi ‘yung mga eksena, ginawang mas cinematic, ‘yung special effects mas pinaghirapan, binusisi ng mga magagaling naming director bawat eksena,” she said.
Three hair-raising stories
Miguel Tanfelix banners “Pocong,” where a cadet seafarer’s first voyage turns terrifying when he encounters some hauntings aboard his ship, revealing truths more horrifying and disturbing than any ghosts. The beliefs about the pocong are based on Indonesian ghost stories and Malay folklore.
Written by Onay Sales-Camero and Yam Laranas, and directed by Laranas, the film also features Kristoffer Martin, Jon Lucas, Phi Palmos, Art Acuña, Karl Medina, Arra San Agustin, Elijah Alejo, Gilleth Sandico, and Eva Darren.
Sanya Lopez and Elijah Canlas headline “Berbalang,” written and directed by Dodo Dayao, DGPI. When a freshly murdered body is stolen from the town morgue, the police chief thinks he’s dealing with one of the townspeople – until whispers of a flesh-eating creature known as the berbalang begin to surface. Soon, the line between myth and reality starts to blur — leading everyone to confront something far more terrifying than they could ever imagine.
Also part of the cast are Rocco Nacino, Mikoy Morales, Joel Saracho, Nicco Manalo, Jojit Lorenzo, and Charles Salazar.
Rounding off the hair-raising stories is “Sanib,” starring Jillian Ward, where a young girl becomes possessed by an unspeakable evil. A priest-in-training must confront his deepest fears and test his faith in a battle between light and darkness. Sanib delves into the thin line between faith and fear, exploring what it truly means to face evil in all its forms.
Directed by King Mark Baco and written by Anton Santamaria and Onay Sales-Camero, FSG, the movie also features Martin Del Rosario, Epy Quizon, Ashley Ortega, Therese Malvar, Rolando Inocencio, Vince Maristela, Cheska Fausto, Nikki Co, Eli Padilla, Philippe Shoaf, and Lotlot de Leon.
From the TV screens that defined viewers’ Halloween nights to the big screen where actual Filipino stories become cinematic nightmares — KMJS’ Gabi ng Lagim The Movie transforms real-life events and horrors into an unforgettable big screen experience.
Produced by GMA Pictures and GMA Public Affairs, the film will be distributed by Columbia Pictures for Sony Pictures Releasing International. Catch KMJS’ Gabi ng Lagim The Movie in cinemas nationwide beginning November 26. Watch the full trailer here: https://tinyurl.com/GabiNgLagimTrailer For more stories about the Kapuso Network, visit www.GMANetwork.com.
