Clarita (film)
| Clarita | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Directed by | Derick Cabrido |
| Starring | Jodi Sta. Maria |
Production company | |
Release date |
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| Country | Philippines |
| Language | Filipino |
| Box office | ₱70 million |
Clarita is a 2019 Philippine supernatural horror film directed by Derick Cabrido and starring Jodi Sta. Maria. It was based on the alleged possession of Clarita Villanueva.
Cast
- Jodi Sta. Maria as Clarita Villanueva
- Ricky Davao as Fr. Salvador
- Arron Villaflor as Fr. Benedicto
- Nonie Buencamino as Mayor Arsenio Lacson
Production
Clarita is based on the story of the alleged possession of Clarita Villanueva in the 1950s. It was produced under Black Sheep Productions.[1] 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.[2]
Cabrido leaned to director-writer Cenon Palomares to help adapt the story into a feature film.[2] 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.[3]
The production team approached the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines 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.[2]
Release
The film premiered in cinemas in the Philippines on June 12, 2019.[2]
Reception
The film grossed ₱70 million by June 27, 2019.[4]
History
The true story of the possession and deliverance of Clarita Villanueva by the power of Jesus Christ under the directions of Pastor Lester Sumrall can be found by Pastor Sumrall on numerous messages that can be found on Youtube or in the books written by Pastor Sumrall. This testimony can still be verified by local news sources where the healing took place and written accounts by those who witnessed the healing of Ms. Villanueva. This story is a story of the power of Jesus Christ and the obedience of one of the Lords servants. The true story of Clarita Villanueva is a story of caution, demonic power and untimely the greater power of Jesus Christ and his mercy and grace. This film is a mockery of the events that actually transpired. The Catholic church and its representatives had nothing to do with the deliverance of Ms. Villanueva. The deliverance came from a humble yet powerful man of God names Lester Sumrall. While its true that Ms. Villanueva while possessed, demonstrated true demonic power and cursed several men to death, she paid for this power by being tormented by the possessing demon. The power of this demon had no influence or power over pastor Sumrall and had no choice but to leave by the command of Pastor Sumrall by the authority of Jesus Christ. The healing of Ms. Villanueva cannot be denied as the medical doctors, psychologists and political figures present acknowledged the event.
References
- ^ "'Clarita' scares up P50-M at box office". ABS-CBN News. June 21, 2019. Retrieved December 29, 2022.
- ^ a b c d Cruz, Marinel R. (June 20, 2019). "How true-to-life story of demonic possession became a showcase for Jodi's acting skills". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved December 29, 2022.
- ^ "The mystery in Asia's first demonic possession in the film "Clarita"". ABS-CBN. July 5, 2019. Retrieved December 29, 2022.