A rich collection of thrillers and fright movies will be screened for free for Halloween at the Benilde Design + Arts Campus.
Organized by the Film Department of the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) School of New Media Arts (SNMA), Lagim! Benilde Film Horror Festival Vol. 2 promises a selection that is ‘scarier than ever’ with a lineup which showcases the original works of young talents from the college and beyond.
The initiative was founded in line with the mission of the institution’s Film Program to encourage the students to expand their knowledge and explore diverse genres.
In Lagim!, the budding creatives are given a platform to exhibit their creativity and skills in blending narratives and cinematic techniques to evoke fear and suspense among viewers. ‘Since its inception, Lagim!’s goal has always been to create a community of filmmakers to explore genre filmmaking along with our other microfestivals Ligaw! and Lantad!’ shared Benilde Film Program OIC chairman Alec Tash Berame.
Ligaw! is the program’s Valentine’s special screening every February, whereas Lantad! is scheduled every June for Pride Month.
‘This year, we kept the focus on quality and storytelling above all,’ he added. ‘The films continue to push the boundaries of the horror genre, and it will make us reflect on the things we fear the most.’
Lagim! Benilde Film Horror Festival Vol. 2 will run for two days with a total of 14 short films on view.
Set A includes Nomadiko by Gabriel Mercado, Pater Noster by Ivan Bustos, The Allegory of Jack and Jill by Dylan Cerio, Handaan by Gab Tolarbas, Lulan by Carlo Manere, Pintig by Apollo Ravelo, and Leng Leng by Mark Andrew Lim. Set A is slated for October 28, 2025.
Set B comprises Batib/t by Carlo Gula, Roleta by Tristian Yaranon, Mangan Tamu by Ilythea De Los Reyes, Façade by Louie Canieso and Allistair Bersaluna, Pater Noster by BJ Domantay, ang embalsamador, baliw, at bangkay by Jasper Tan, and Natitira by Chester Dizor. Set B is lined up for October 29, 2025.
Lagim! Benilde Film Horror Festival is free and open to the public. It will run from 5 pm to 8 pm on the scheduled dates. Each set will be followed by a talkback session with the filmmakers.
The event will be held at the 12th Floor Screening Room of the Benilde Design + Arts Campus, 950 Pablo Ocampo Street, Malate, Manila. Interested participants may register at tinyurl.com/LagimVOL2. An e-mail will be sent to confirm seat availability.