Jodi Sta. Maria brings true to life story of CLARITA in Black Sheep's first horror film

Evil is all around us and in Black Sheep's 'first horror film, CLARITA.

We all know that there have been a number of horror films featuring possessed individuals but in this Black Sheep film, it tackles the true to life story of Clarita Villanueva.

Clarita Villanueva, a 17 year old Filipina girl, had known a life of tragedy. She did not remember her father. She did not know if he had died or had deserted her mother.

Her mother was a spiritist and a fortune teller by vocation. The girl was brought up watching her mother holding seances, communicating with the dead, and using clairvoyance to predict to sinful people what they could expect in the future. Her mother took money from people for her services, and then laughed at them behind their backs. To her it was all just a game, a means of making a living by duping unsuspecting and gullible people.

When Clarita was still very young, about 12 years old, her mother died. Since she did not have any immediate family to take her in and care for her, she became a vagabond.

She fell into the hands of hookers, and at the tender age of 12 was selling her body as a prostitute. The hookers taught her how to handle men, how to get money for her services.

By the time she was 17 years old, Clarita was frequenting the bars and taverns of Manila, living the gay life by soliciting men for prostitution.

But one morning at 2:00 a.m. on the streets of downtown Manila, Clarita made the mistake of offering her services to a plainclothes police officer. The policeman called for a vehicle and Clarita was taken to the ancient Bilibid Prison, used as the city jail. Bilibid has been a prison for over 300 years. It was built by the Spanish and used by the Americans, the Filipinos, and the Japanese as a prison and a place of torment.

After a few days, her stay in the prison turned from mundane to hellish. The young girl claimed she began seeing strange creatures who would bite her several times in different parts of her body. She described ‘The Thing’ as two terrifying creatures, with the bigger one characterized by a curly hair, two fangs, and large eyes.

During the attacks, Clarita would often scream, become hysterical, and lose consciousness. But it was the bite marks that sent chills to those who had personally witnessed how the young girl struggled with what others described as “invisible vampire.”

No less than tough guy Mayor Arsenio Lacson, who visited the demon-possessed Clarita in the city morgue, claimed that he saw bite marks appear out of nowhere on the victim’s hands. Mariano Lara, the medical examiner, was scared out of his wits when he saw firsthand the demonic attacks. He also described the bite marks as otherworldly because they’re too large, round (human bite is elliptical), and seemed to have been made by molars.

Medical experts struggled to come up with a concrete explanation. 

While others suspected Clarita to be suffering from insanity or a mental disorder known as ‘hysterical fugue,’ more people were convinced that it was a phenomenon that defy scientific explanation. In the end, hopelessness urged them to finally resort to exorcism to drive demons out of Clarita’s body.

Rev. Lester Sumrall heeded the call. Assisted by two other Protestant ministers, Sumrall used the power of prayers to overcome the invisible devils. The following is an eyewitness account of Clarita’s exorcism:

"“…Clarita’s countenance changed. She became wild-eyed and screamed at the minister before her, telling him to go away…At intervals, Clarita was meek as a lamb and, at the prodding of the minister, said that she liked Jesus Christ. The very next moment, however, she grew violent and cursed God and told the minister to go away…After about an hour, Clarita’s face seemed to soften…At this state, the minister recited the Lord’s Prayer and Clarita followed him. ..She indicated that ‘The Thing’ went out of the window. And the three ministers sang a joyous ‘Hallelujah'”

Black Sheep's latest offering will have a different take on the exorcism of Clarita Villanueva and it will surely give you chills down your spine!

Viewers are treated to a horror film about the first recorded possession in the Philippines that shocked the entire world. Jodi Sta. Maria has been well regarded as one of the most versatile actressin the country and in Clarita where she plays the ttitular role, expect to see JODI STA. MARIA like you've never see her before. 

Direk Derick Cabrido shared details on how they conceptualized the film Clarita

For Clarita, award-winning documentarian and filmmaker Derick Cabrido breathes new life into the story by bringing his own brand of horror for Filipino moviegoers. Cabrido is known for his visceral and gritty take on the true horrors that surround us. He has won awards in documentary and film festivals from around the globe. 

Meet the cast of Clarita

The film also stars Alyssa Muhlach, Romnick Sarmenta, Nonie Buencamino, Angeli Bayani, Che Ramos.

Jodi shred during the Media Conference of Clarita that this is one of her most challenging role to date. Most actors dream of having to portray a role like this because it is really hard and for Jodi, she really gave her 101% as Clarita. 

She didn't have any double for the scenes and the prosthetic is also hard to put on. Just the same, it is a memorable experience for Jodi and she is looking forward for everyone to see this film. 

After learning that a group of doctors were killed by super natural forces, Fathers Salvador (Ricky Davao) and Benedicto (Arron Villaflor) will have their faith tested when they are tasked to perform an exorcism on a possessed woman named Clarita (Jodi Sta. Maria). 

Meanwhile, a photojournalist investigates the truth about Clarita's possession and helps the two priets perform the exorcism. In their journey to help Clarita, they will encounter demonic obstacles that will prevent them from performing the exorcism.

This independence Day, free yourselves from the demons within  you and experience Clarita on the big screen. Will Clarita's soul be save or will the evil in her take over? 

Clarita opens in cinemas nationwide starting June 12.