Prime Video to stream Filipino Sundance horror 'In My Mother's Skin' starring Beauty Gonzalez
It's another recognition for Filipino films as Amazon's global video streaming service Prime Video has acquired the rights to In My Mother’s Skin, a horror film that has Beauty Gonzalez and Jasmine Curtis-Smith in principal roles.
Coming from the mind of Manila-based writer and director Kenneth Dagatan, the film will first premiere in the "Midnight Section" of the 2023 Sundance Film Festival, which will begin starting Jan. 19 and will go on until the 29th.
In My Mother’s Skin is a horror fairy tale that is set in the Philippines near the end of the World War II. It puts audiences in the shoes of Tala, the young daughter of a family living in an isolated forest mansion. After being tormented by Japanese soldiers who believe that they had stolen Japanese gold, Tala's father Aldo escapes to seek help from the Americans in an attempt to protect his family.
But as he leaves, the mother's health rapidly deteriorates and she dangles on the brink of life and death. In her desparation, Tala seeks out a mysterious fairy who has promised to protect her. Little does she know that her savior is actually a flesh-eating being who wants to consume them all.
Alongside Gonzalez and Curtis-Smith, the film also stars Felicity Kyle Napuli, James Mavie Estrella, and Angeli Bayani.
Amazon Studio APAC’s Head of Originals Erika North expressed her excitement in having In My Mother’s Skin become a part of Prime Video's collection of films.
"We’re proud to support Kenneth and to be the home for the best Filipino storytellers across all genres. [I]n My Mother’s Skin is a uniquely Filipino story and a highly elevated horror film, we are delighted to bring this movie to not just audiences in the Philippines but to Prime Video members worldwide," North said in a press release.
Dagatan, meanwhile, highlighted that having his work be shown in international channels would bring wonders to the Filipino film industry.
"This is truly a moment for Filipino filmmakers to be seen by the international audience, and I hope this opens doors for more Filipino content to be watched by the rest of the world," he said.
In My Mother’s Skin, the only non-English language film in Sundance’s Midnight Section this year, will be released on Prime Video in multiple countries by the end of 2023.