Josabeth “Joji” Alonso, the powerhouse producer behind Quantum Films, opens up about her creative challenges and triumphs during the production of the much-anticipated horror film Espantaho, set to premiere at this year's Metro Manila Film Festival on December 25. Throughout her career, Alonso has forged her path through the film industry, faced numerous obstacles, and thrived under the pressure of creating films with compelling narratives.
Alonso’s latest project, Espantaho, reveals the director Chito Roño's complex vision—a narrative filled with suspense and emotional weight. Reflecting on her experience with the film, she admits, "The death scenes were definitely the hardest. Direk Chito’s attention to detail is incredible, especially for those key moments.” She added, “One death scene took a full three days to shoot.” This level of dedication is part and parcel of what makes Alonso's approach to production not only thorough but deeply impactful.
Her collaboration with actress Judy Ann Santos has also been noteworthy. Alonso describes Santos's professionalism as unparalleled, saying, "Judy Ann’s generosity is something else. She’s so respectful of everyone’s time, always prepared, and her performances are always a tour de force." Alonso recalls how Santos once even treated the entire cast and crew to fishballs after filming, demonstrating the actress’s commitment to fostering camaraderie among her peers.
Despite the glamorous facade of film production, Alonso notes the painful memories tied to her projects as well. One film she produced, Kubrador, still resonates with her emotionally due to the raw portrayal of struggle and loss. "That one scene where Gina Pareño walks away after a child is shot instead of her—it still gets to me," she reflects. This emotional depth is what Alonso aims to capture in her work.
From her first narrative film, which required her to source for obscure items like bonsai plants to symbolize character growth, to her current success, Alonso's path has been paved with unique experiences. When asked about the most rewarding aspect of bringing Espantaho to life, she stated, "It started as a simple horror film, but as we went along, Direk Chito’s touch added layers and made it creepier. Plus, having such talented actors made everything smoother.” This synergy between director and cast is pivotal for any film’s success.
Alonso embraces the bigger picture of what film can accomplish. "We throw a thanksgiving party after significant successes, and we give envelopes to the whole team to thank them," she said. Her philosophy involves ensuring everyone, including service drivers, shares the blessings of box office success, pretty much reflecting her value for teamwork and gratitude.
Interestingly, Alonso also expressed her longing to explore new genres, particularly hardcore action films, though she acknowledges the challenges associated with production costs. "I’ve always wanted to tackle hardcore action films. They’re just so expensive to produce,” she shared.
Throughout her dedication to crafting narratives, Alonso often finds herself reflecting on the pivotal life events shaping her. The loss of her mother at just 15 years old, alongside the challenges of becoming a mother herself at 19, became motivation rather than obstacles. They fueled her ambition to succeed and to create stories of resilience and human emotion through cinema.
The anticipation surrounding Espantaho is palpable, not just for Alonso but for the entire film community. The gala premiere is what she looks forward to most, stating, "Watching the film on the big screen with strangers and seeing their reactions—that’s when you know if your work hits the mark.” It’s these heartfelt moments of connection between the audience and the film's narrative structure she strives to achieve.
Even as she continues to evolve as both a filmmaker and person—now as a grandmother—Alonso stays true to her vision for producing films loaded with social relevance. While her role as grandmother adds another layer of pride, she firmly maintains her creative independence, ensuring family does not interfere with her cinematic choices.
Looking back over her years of storytelling, Josabeth Alonso showcases the entertainment industry’s complexity—fraught with emotional highs and lows yet also filled with the unyielding drive to create impactful narratives. Her reflections reveal not just the arduous nature of filmmaking but also the bonds formed and the stories shared, echoing the timeless truth at the heart of cinema. With products like Espantaho, audiences are sure to experience more than entertainment; they will be treated to tales filled with authenticity and deeply felt humanity.
