She’s back! Jodi Sta. Maria returns to the horror genre via Regal Entertainment’s ‘Untold’
Actress Jodi Sta. Maria is stepping back into the world of horror, reuniting with director Derick Cabrido for her first project in the genre under Regal Entertainment. This new film, titled “Untold,” marks a significant return for Jodi, who had previously sworn off scary movies after her intense experience in the 2018 film “Clarita,” where she played a possessed woman.
During the press conference for “Untold,” Jodi explained her initial hesitation. “We worked together in 2018. When we did ‘Clarita,’ it was a very challenging, difficult project. And I told myself after that, no more, I don’t want to anymore, I’m done with horror. And then five years later, more than five years later, here it is, Derick came again with a compelling idea,” she shared. Jodi admitted she carefully considers scripts before accepting roles, but her trust in Direk Derick gave her the confidence to venture into horror once more. “When I properly read the script, I liked it because it was different. And working with Direk, our working relationship is built on trust,” she stated.
A Partnership Built on Trust
Jodi praised Direk Derick’s approach to directing, highlighting his collaborative nature and openness to the actors’ perspectives. “I really trust him as my director. What I like about him is he’s very collaborative. You know, he’s open to suggestions. He’s open to the insights that come from his actors,” she added. She also commended his straightforwardness and clear artistic vision, which she feels makes the filmmaking process smooth. “I like his honesty. For example, if he wants to do something in a scene, he won’t hesitate to say let’s try it this way or that way. And since I really trust him, it’s like, okay, let’s do it,” Jodi explained.
Freedom for the Actors
For his part, Direk Derick emphasized his belief in teamwork on set, giving actors the space to interpret their roles authentically. “For me, all projects, especially for films, should be collaborative. Because the moment the camera rolls, that’s it. I mean, it’s up to the actor. You have to give the freedom to the actor to be free to deliver her character, the way she is or he is, as they see it,” he said. He also reflected on how some professional relationships in the industry are temporary. “Honestly, there are some projects where you work with an actor and then after that, it ends there,” he continued. However, Cabrido noted that his connection with Jodi has evolved into a genuine and lasting friendship over the years. “Our relationship, it grows into a friendship even if we don’t see each other for a while,” he shared.
“Untold” is described as a psychological horror film centering on Vivian Vera (Jodi Sta. Maria), a reporter willing to go to extreme lengths for fame, including spreading false information. The movie is among the final projects approved by the late Lily Monteverde. The cast also includes Juan Karlos, Sarah Edwards, Joem Bascon, Lianne Valentin, and Gloria Diaz. Moviegoers can anticipate the premiere of “Untold” in cinemas worldwide on April 30.
