Mikhail Red is back doing what he does best, scaring people that is.
Set for release March 12 is his latest horror feature, “Lilim.”
Said the director, “‘Lilim’ is a far more ambitious production compared to my recent efforts like ‘Deleter’ and ‘Nokturno.’ For one it is a period film so, production was quite a huge challenge.”
Asked what inspired the film, he shared, “I wanted to make a film about a hidden society sheltering from encroaching oppression, only to collapse and fall victim to their own beliefs.”
If it sounds too deep, fret not, as Mikhail said, “We know our audience and we made sure that we get to communicate our ideas in a manner that is fluid and easy to understand.”
The project signifies a major milestone for Mikhail, as it marks his first collaboration with his father, Raymond Red who takes on the role of cinematographer for “Lilim.”
Mikhail’s brother, Nikolas Red, is also involved in the project, as screenwriter.
“It was exciting for me to work with my father and brother. I wanted to do this for the longest time only that I was waiting for the right project.”
‘Lilim’ is about two siblings who take refuge in an orphanage, only to unearth a dark secret that threatens their lives.
The story begins with Issa, who kills her abusive father in a desperate act of self-defense.
After the harrowing encounter, she flees their home along with her younger brother, Tomas.
On the run from the police, the siblings take shelter in Helping Hands, an orphanage managed by nuns.
Issa and Tomas soon try to acclimate to their new environment; however, they realize that something is terribly wrong. They stumble upon cult practices and find that the nuns’ intentions are far from holy.
“Lilim” earned great reviews following its screening at the 54th International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR).
Starring Heaven Peralejo, National Winner for Best Actress at the 2023 Asian Academy Creative Awards, along with Eula Valdez, Mon Confiado, Skywalker David, Phoebe Walker, Ryza Cenon, “Lilim” is the second feature from Evolve Studios, the production company Red co-founded, in collaboration with Viva Films.
