Itim
1976 Philippine Supernatural horror drama film / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Itim (Filipino for "black"[1]), released overseas as The Rites of May,[1] is a 1976 Philippine supernatural horror drama film and the feature directorial debut of Mike de Leon, with a screenplay by Clodualdo del Mundo Jr. and Gil Quito. The film, that has been described as "one of the most remarkable debuts in cinema history",[2] stars Tommy Abuel as a young photographer visiting his father (played by Mario Montenegro) in his provincial town during the Lenten season. There he encounters a mysterious woman, Teresa, played by Charo Santos in her acting debut. Itim addresses various topics, including occultism and religion, in a "foray into gothic horror, exploring the spiritual nature of life and people in the quiet little town of San Ildefonso".[3]
Itim | |
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Directed by | Mike de Leon |
Written by |
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Produced by |
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Starring | |
Cinematography |
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Edited by | Ike Jarlego Jr. |
Music by | Max Jocson |
Production company | Cinema Artists Philippines |
Running time | 105 minutes |
Country | Philippines |
Language | Filipino |
The Manunuri ng Pelikulang Pilipino (Filipino Film Critics) included the film on their list of the Ten Best Films of the Decade. In 2022, the film was digitally restored, with a subsequent theatrical premiere as part of the Cannes Classics section at the 75th Cannes Film Festival.[4]