Prime Video acquires Filipino horror film 'In My Mother's Skin' ahead of Sundance premiere

Prime Video has acquired worldwide rights to one the most anticipated Filipino films this year, "In My Mother's Skin."

The horror fantasy movie directed by Kenneth Dagatan is set to make its world premiere in the 2023 Sundance Film Festival’s Midnight Section, and will be available for streaming on Prime Video by the end of the year.

“We’re proud to support Kenneth and to be the home for the best Filipino storytellers across all genres," said Amazon Studio APAC’s Head of Originals, Erika North, in a statement.  “In 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.”

Dagatan meanwhile is delighted by the recognition that his work has been getting.

“I’m excited that In My Mother's Skin has been recognized at such an important festival like Sundance, and will now also have the chance to be watched by a global audience on Prime Video," he said. "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."

Set in the Philippines at the end of World War II, "In My Mother’s Skin" follows the story of Tala, a 14-year-old daughter of a textile merchant who lives in a war-worn colonial house with her sickly mother Ligaya and younger brother Bayani. When Tala’s father mysteriously leaves once more to barter for his family's freedom with the Japanese, his family finds themselves alone in their isolated forest mansion, awaiting his return.

With Ligaya’s condition rapidly deteriorating, Tala seeks out a mysterious fairy who has promised to protect her. Happy to oblige, the fairy gives Tala a magical insect to cure her dying mother. This initially provides Ligaya with relief, but later leads to disastrous consequences that force Tala to make a distressing decision.

The film stars Beauty Gonzalez, Felicity Kyle Napuli, Jasmine Curtis-Smith, James Mavie Estrella, and Angeli Bayani. "In My Mother’s Skin" is the only non-English language film in Sundance’s Midnight Section this year. —JCB, GMA Integrated News