Director Raya Martin is set to return to feature filmmaking with the folklore horror thriller Obosen, which is being developed by Philippines-based independent studio Rain Entertainment and will be submitted to the Producers Network at the Cannes Film Festival.
“Obosen” follows a female police officer investigating a disappearance in a remote town in the Philippines as she enters the woods and local myths, political dynasties and cinematography collapse into an alternate reality. Produced by frequent collaborator Arlene Cuevas, she brought the project to Cannes as part of the Producers Network Philippines delegation sponsored by the Film Development Council of the Philippines.
Martin is the first Filipino director to have two films selected at the Cannes Film Festival in the same year, 2009’s “Independencia” and “Manila.” His works have also been shown at the Berlinale, Locarno and Busan.
“Raya has always been one of the boldest and most respected Filipino filmmakers of his generation. What makes this partnership exciting is that with ‘Obosen’ he not only returns to feature filmmaking, but also has the opportunity to make a film with both artistic ambition and emotional power. We believe ‘Obosen’ has the potential to be a defining project for both Rain and contemporary Filipino cinema,” said Shugo Puliko, Head of Creative at Rain.
Lane will also bring on director and producer Quirk Henares as a partner. Henares returned to the Philippines after several years in Singapore, most recently serving as Amazon MGM Studios’ head of originals in the Philippines, and previously overseeing Globe Telecom’s studio business, including Globe Studios and Anima. His productions include “Leonor Will Never Die,” “Fan Girl,” and “On the Job: The Missing 8,” titles that have received recognition at Sundance, the International Emmy Awards, and Venice. In his new role, he will contribute to project positioning across development and packaging, strategic partnerships, financing, and domestic and international markets.
“Rein has always sought to build a company that combines strong creative vision with global ambitions. Having Quark on board as a partner is a major step in that direction. His continued involvement across various sectors of the industry only strengthens Rein’s position as we continue to expand and build projects for both local and global audiences,” said Lino Cayetano, Rein’s president and CEO.
Founded by Cayetano, Praico and Philip King, Rein Entertainment’s slate includes “Bagman,” “BetCin,” “Nanahimik Ang Gabi,” “Salvageland” and the upcoming limited series “Drug War: A Conspiracy of Silence,” produced in collaboration with KC Global Media.
