Gillian Vicencio. ABS-CBN News
Actress Gillian Vicencio has landed her first-ever lead role in the slasher movie "Talahib."
The young actress admitted she is both excited and anxious about the film's reception, sharing her hopes that audiences will appreciate the depth of the story.
"Kinakabahan kasi first ever lead role ko to, slasher film, sana magustuhan ng mga tao yung pelikula namin kasi hindi lang siya basta slasher—every movie has a deeper message para sa mga tao," Vicencio said.
Despite her growing filmography, Vicencio emphasized that no project ever feels easy to her. "Hindi ko masasabi na comfortable ako sa kahit na anong project kasi bawat project is a challenge na hindi siya ganon kadali gawin talaga, kinikilala mo pa rin yung character," she said.
"Talahib" brings more than just the thrills of a slasher movie. Directed and written by Alvin Yapan, the film taps into Filipino cultural fears and superstitions, with its title referring to a type of grassland often linked to dark events in local folklore.
Yap revealed that he chose Vicencio for the lead after veteran actress Irma Adlawan recommended her.
"Si Gillian na-cast namin dahil recommended siya ni Irma Adlawan. Si Irma kasi lagi ko kinukuha because we have a rapport, director and actor. Tapos sabi ko sa kanya yung role na hinahanap ko mas bata, so nirecommend niya si Gillian. Revelation! From this point on, isa na siya sa parating kong kukuning artista kung hindi siya busy," Yapan shared.
He added that his inspiration for "Talahib" stemmed from his desire to explore how Filipinos perceive fear.
"Ang gusto ko kasi gawin dito sa pelikula ay pag-aralan talaga yung takot ng mga Pinoy bilang isang kultura... pag nasabing talahiban, isa ito sa mga lugar kung saan madaming natatagpuang pinapatay, natatapon, andaming krimen na nangyayari," Yapan explained.
One of the film's most difficult scenes for Vicencio involved a nighttime chase through cold, blood-soaked grasslands. "Siguro yung pagtakbo ng gabi at malamig at duguan sa talahib," she recalled as her most challenging moment on set.
"Talahib" is part of the Sinag Maynila 2024 Film Festival, an event Yapan is particularly grateful for. "Nagpapasalamat kami kay Direk Brillante Mendoza at kay Wilson Tieng sa pagtanggap ng pelikula namin sa kanilang film festival. Congratulations din sa Sinag Maynila," the director said.
The Sinag Maynila film festival will hold its Gabi ng Parangal awards ceremony on September 8, 2024.