The upcoming Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) 2024 entry Uninvited is more than just another movie for Star for All Seasons Vilma Santos—it’s a dream project she conceptualized years ago.
During the grand media conference on November 20 at Solaire Resort and Casino, Santos shared that the film’s unique premise—a story unfolding entirely within 24 hours—had been a long-standing vision of hers.
“Matagal ko nang iniisip ito,” Vilma said. “Sa mga interviews noon, kapag tinatanong ako, ‘Vi, kung magdidirek ka, anong klaseng pelikula ang gagawin mo?’ Lagi kong sinasabi na gusto kong gumawa ng isang kwento na nangyari lang sa loob ng isang araw. Mag-uumpisa siya nang maganda, pero matatapos siya na parang delapidated na.”
Vilma credited director and co-producer Dan Villegas and his team for turning her vision into a full-fledged story. The movie explores family secrets and horror in a single, chaotic day, making it a perfect blend of drama and suspense.
“Ang grupo ni Direk Dan ang nagbuo ng istorya. Sila ang naglagay ng laman at twists na bumuo sa Uninvited,” she shared.
The film also reunites Vilma with Aga Muhlach after 30 years. Their last project together was ‘Nag-iisang Bituin’ in 1994.
“Nung pinag-usapan na ang casting, wala nang ibang bagay sa role ni Guilly kundi si Aga,” Vilma said. “Tumawag pa ako sa kanya. Sabi ko, ‘Aga, gawin mo na itong pelikula. Kung hindi, isosoli ko na ang kandila sa kasal mo kay Charlene!’”
Vilma was equally thrilled to share the screen with Nadine Lustre, marking their first collaboration.
“Nung nalaman ko na kasama si Nadine, sabi ko, ‘Tara na, magshooting na tayo!’” Vilma said, praising Nadine’s dedication and performance.
The veteran actress revealed that she had three MMFF movie offers, including ‘Espantaho,’ which would have paired her with Judy Ann Santos.
“Excited ako makatrabaho si Judy Ann,” Vilma admitted. “Pero habang inaayos ang Espantaho, nalaman ko na sinubmit ito sa first five scripts ng MMFF, pero hindi napasok.”
According to Vilma, it was Atty. Joji Alonso, the producer of ‘Espantaho,’ who encouraged her to prioritize Uninvited.
“Atty. Joji told me, ‘Go ahead and do the movie with Dan. I will promise you, I will watch it,’” Vilma shared.
Vilma admitted that working on the film took a toll on her health but her passion for the project kept her motivated.
“During the shoot, kahit na may mga nararamdaman ako, tuloy pa rin dahil sobrang na-inspire ako sa proyekto,” she said.
Directed by Dan Villegas and produced by Mentorque Productions and Project 8 Projects, ‘Uninvited’ is a psychological thriller set in a 24-hour party where dark secrets unravel. It stars an ensemble cast, including Mylene Dizon, Lotlot de Leon, RK Bagatsing, Gabby Padilla, Elijah Canlas, Tirso Cruz III, and Ketchup Eusebio, among others.
