New Filipino Thriller “Obosen” Heads to Cannes
< formatted article >
Obosen: The Chilling Cannés Debut That Could Redefine Horror
A Tale of Vanishings, Myths, and Alternate Realities
A new horror film, Obosen, is set to send shivers down the spines of audiences—and critics—at the Cannes Film Festival. Directed by the boundary-pushing Raya Martin, the movie dives into the supernatural, following a police officer as she unravels a string of eerie disappearances in a remote town. Her investigation plunges her into a forest where myth, family feuds, and an unsettling film crew blur the line between reality and something far more sinister.
Martin, a trailblazer in Filipino cinema, is no stranger to the Cannes spotlight. He made history as the first Filipino filmmaker to have two films—Independencia and Manila—screened at Cannes in a single year. With credits spanning Berlin, Locarno, and Busan, his return to feature-length cinema after a brief hiatus promises something bold—and Obosen might just be his most daring yet.
A Vision Unfolding: Art, Ambition, and Industry Powerhouses
Obosen is backed by Rein Entertainment, a creative powerhouse led by Shugo Praico (Creative Head) and Lino Cayetano (CEO). Praico describes the film as a visceral blend of emotional depth and striking visuals, calling it a cornerstone for both the studio and Filipino cinema itself.
Joining the team is Quark Henares, a producer with a sharp track record at Amazon MGM Studios and Globe Telecom. Henares isn’t just bringing financial muscle—he’s also scouting international partnerships to ensure Obosen reaches a global audience.
A Strategic Premiere: Cannes, Filipino Talent, and Global Ambitions
The film will make its high-profile debut in Cannes’ Producer’s Network section, part of a Filipino delegation sponsored by the Film Development Council. This is no small feat—it places Obosen alongside other Rein Entertainment projects like Bagman and BetCin, as well as the upcoming series Drug War: A Conspiracy of Silence.
But what truly sets Obosen apart is its layered storytelling. It weaves together: ✔ Local folklore with spine-tingling supernatural elements ✔ Political intrigue buried in family conflicts ✔ Meta-narratives involving a film crew lost in their own story
This isn’t just another horror film—it’s a statement piece, a testament to how Filipino filmmakers are carving out space on the world stage.
---