By John Romme Alba
GMA Pictures has partnered with “Mallari” producer Mentorque for their first joint venture, the new horror film “Huwag kang Titingin.”
From the director of the horror film “Pagpag: Siyam na Buhay,” Frasco Mortiz, with Ays De Guzman as writer and creative producer, the upcoming film will mix viral internet challenges with Filipino folklore fears in a narrative designed to appeal to “Gen Z” audiences by fusing emotional depth and cultural familiarity.
The film is inspired by “Final Destination Bloodlines.” They are set to start filming in the first or second week of September.
The cast features Sofia Pablo, Allen Ansay, Marco Masa, Anthony Constantino, Sean Lucas, Sherilyn Reyes and “Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Collab Edition” housemates Michael Sager, Kira Balinger, Josh Ford, Charlie Fleming and Shuvee Etrata.
The contract signing was held on Thursday, August 28, at the GMA Network Center, attended by top executives from both companies.
The executives present were Atty. Annete Gozon-Valdez, senior vice president for Programming, Talent Management, Worldwide, and Support Group, and president and CEO of GMA Films; Nessa Valdellon, executive vice president of GMA Pictures and senior vice president of GMA Public Affairs; and John Bryan Diamante, president and CEO of Mentorque Productions.
Diamante shared his gratitude for the new partnership with GMA Pictures, saying: “The partnership with GMA Pictures is not only about producing a film, it’s about showing what’s possible when two creative forces come together.”
Gozon-Valdes, on the other hand, expressed her enthusiasm for the project, saying, “I’m very, very excited for this project. We have a great story, an exciting cast, and a very strong partner of Mentorque. This is our first venture together. We are beginning our partnership with ‘Huwag Kang Titingin.’ So thank you very much for the trust.”
Both producers recently received industry recognition as GMA Pictures was named “Producer of the Year” at the EDDYS, with a slate that includes “Firefly,” “Balota,” and the highly acclaimed “Green Bones,” winning Best Picture.
At the same time, Mentorque Productions also won as “Film Producer of the Year” at the 2025 FAMAS Awards. The film production is known for titles including the MMFF film hit “Mallari,” as well as the Vilma Santos starrer “Uninvited” and the Cinemalaya co-production “Kono Basho.”
