MANILA, PHILIPPINES — Lihim Na Luha (Secret Cries), starring Jericho Rosales as lead actor, celebrates multiple wins at the QCinema 2024 Project Market. Gushcloud Studios, the film and TV division of Gushcloud International, joins forces with Filipino-American writer-director Eileen Cabiling to bring the drama-folk horror film to life. This endeavor strengthens Gushcloud’s commitment to crafting Asian-led narratives that educate, entertain, and resonate with audiences worldwide.
This captivating project earned the Nathan Studios Development Grant worth USD 4,500 and a CMB Discovery Equipment Rental Award valued at USD 17,000. These accolades spotlight the film’s potential to redefine storytelling through innovative narratives rooted in Asian culture and universal themes.
About the film
Set for production in late 2025, Lihim Na Luha is already garnering attention for its unique combination of drama and folk horror. The film delves into the complexities of a father-daughter bond, addiction recovery, and identity, woven together with a tragic love story between a human and a Filipino vampire (aswang). Exploring themes of redemption, coming-of-age, and acceptance, it promises to resonate with diverse audiences, from fans of Asian cinema and folklore to those who appreciate character-driven narratives with poetic depth.
The Visionaries Behind
At the helm of Lihim Na Luha’s global team is Eileen Cabiling, an award-winning filmmaker with an extensive career in Hollywood. Known for crafting emotionally resonant narratives, her portfolio includes numerous acclaimed works, blending universal themes with unique cultural perspectives. Eileen’s short film Basurero premiered at the 2019 Busan International Film Festival, won the Philippine Movie Press’ Best Short Film award in 2021, and screened at prestigious festivals worldwide, including Edinburgh and San Francisco.
Her series Pamilya was showcased at the 2022 Gotham International Project Market, and her screenplay LOVE VISA was a 2023 Sundance Catalyst Fund finalist and 2024 SFFILM Rainin Grant finalist. A Fellow of the American Film Institute and recipient of the ABC/Walt Disney Talent Fellowship, Cabiling has worked with major studios like Disney, CNN International, and IMAX, solidifying her reputation as a storyteller of international acclaim.
Producer Darlene Catly Malimas, Gushcloud’s Global Head of Content, brings her extensive expertise to the project. With a distinguished track record that includes producing Netflix-featured films like Bliss and How She Left Me, the Independent Spirit Award- nominated Lingua Franca, and the 2023 SXSW Grand Jury Prize winner Raging Grace, Malimas has consistently delivered impactful content celebrated at both local and international festivals. This marks her second collaboration with Cabiling, further solidifying her role as a driving force behind Gushcloud’s expansion into premium entertainment content.
Adding star power is Southeast Asia’s renowned actor Jericho Rosales, whose acclaimed roles in Baler, Alagwa, and Basurero have solidified his status as one of the region’s finest actors. Jericho’s emotional depth and complexity promise a compelling portrayal in Lihim Na Luha.
Rounding out the team is South Korea’s Jae Hyuk Lee, whose award-winning lighting design has shaped cinematic masterpieces such as The Wailing, Burning, and Okja. His expertise will enhance the atmospheric folk horror aesthetic of the film.
Gushcloud’s frontier for scripted and unscripted content
Lihim Na Luha represents Gushcloud’s vision to harness intellectual property in film and TV to produce content that transcends borders. With a slate spanning scripted narratives and high-profile documentaries on iconic personalities, Gushcloud Studios is carving its niche in premium content.
“Gushcloud is solidifying its position as a leader in entertainment, and Lihim na Luha marks an exciting beginning in building momentum for our scripted projects,” said Darlene Catly Malimas as she leads the charge for Gushcloud Studios. “As we expand into premium mainstream content, we are dedicated to creating stories that not only entertain but also resonate with audiences worldwide. With Lihim na Luha and our other international scripted and unscripted projects paving the way, Gushcloud Studios is poised to redefine global Asian entertainment and leave a meaningful cultural legacy.”
With Lihim na Luha aiming for a festival run in 2026, the project is set to captivate audiences worldwide, establishing Gushcloud Studios as a global storytelling powerhouse.
For more information, visit gushcloud.com.
