Kenneth Dagatan’s win at the Midnight section of the 2023 Sundance Film Festival has cemented his status as an up-and-coming filmmaker. Here’s what inspires the Filipino creative’s hair-raising narratives
Filipino filmmaker Kenneth Dagatan specialises in the genre of horror. His two most acclaimed films are Sanctissima (2015) and In My Mother’s Skin (2023). Starring Jasmine Curtis Smith, In My Mother’s Skin won at the Midnight section of this year’s Sundance Film Festival. Set in the Philippines during the second World War, the story revolves around a young girl looking to save her sickly mother through a deal with a supernatural deity.
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Written and directed by Dagatan, the film, which is available on Amazon Prime, explores both fantasy and folk horror. But what does horror mean to Dagatan exactly? The Gen.T honouree tells us the inspirations behind his narrative and gives us insight into what truly scares him.
How did you get into film directing?
Kenneth Dagatan (KD): As a kid, I loved watching movies from my father’s VHS collection. I vividly recall the day I watched the 1939 classic, The Wizard of Oz. It left me curious about filmmaking. The transition from black-and-white to colour on the screen stuck with me.
Officially, my filmmaking journey began in high school when I was tasked with creating horror short films and music videos as part of an assignment. I remember I had no clue how to edit or shoot a video. It was my brother who taught me video editing. Watching him edit was like watching a magic show. The discovery and enchanting sense of possibility that video editing had ignited my love for film.
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What was your experience entering film festivals and competitions?
KD: It was entirely new to me, but what made the journey unforgettable was the remarkable individuals I met during our festival run and the moments with those who helped me make the film. Connecting with people who were not only accomplished but also those whose work I had admired since I was a kid was truly humbling. The experience inspired me to continue making films and tell stories that resonate with me.