Viva Films’ horror movie ‘VHS’ to hit cinemas Oct. 28

MANILA — Filmmaker Darryl Yap is taking a different approach to horror with “Viva Horror Stories,” saying the film aims to make audiences think beyond the usual supernatural scares.

“I’m more interested in people, in human behavior, in what we’re capable of doing to each other. At the end of the day, that’s what this film is about. The supernatural is there, but the real horror is human,” Yap said.

Known for his controversial films, Yap said his approach to horror goes beyond frightening audiences, with the genre serving as a way to explore human behavior and provoke thought.

“As a provocateur, controversy has practically become second nature to me. Don’t get me wrong, but my horror doesn’t exist merely to scare people. Its primary purpose is to make them think, which, to me, is a much harder thing to do,” he said.

Yap shared that his move into horror came after Viva asked him to develop a story for Halloween, prompting him to revisit his old one-act plays.

“When VIVA asked if I had a story for Halloween, my first instinct was to dig through my old one-act plays from years ago. I guess the decision to cross over into horror came partly from VIVA asking at just the right time, and partly from a creative itch to try something different,” he said.

“And I think that’s what people will find in this film. It’s not just about my personal experiences. I believe people will find something they can relate to in the characters, both human and inhuman,” he added.

Yap also explained the meaning behind the film’s title, saying VHS stands for “Viva Horror Stories,” although he used the familiar abbreviation for videotapes as a creative reference.

“VHS means Viva Horror Stories, I just played with VHS (the analog) for creative reference. Confusing the public is part of its appeal, all along it seems like VHS the tape, but no. Expecting the horror will be delivered by the supernaturals but no, the horror is the reality,” he explained.