The funds raised for the Olotayan, Philippines generator were instead used to assist with relief efforts after the island was devastated during hurricane Frank. Check www.aswangmovie.blogspot.com for more info. A feature length straight documentary is being edited - regarding the origin of the aswang myth. The current film, 'Aswang: A Journey Into Myth', will be supplementary on the DVD as an artistic exploration of the myth, while the current film will expose the origins and historical events that have perpetuated it. We are hoping to make this documentary the most comprehensive and informative presentation of the word Aswang and the myths surrounding it.

Feel free to visit our online production diary blog at www.aswangmovie.blogspot.com for the latest information.

Aswang: A Journey Into Myth had its debut at the Victoria Film Festival. You can read press articles here.

"There are some people who live in a dream world, and there are some who face reality; and then there are those who turn one into the other."

When do myth and reality meet? Maria Villanueva believes that apparitions are real – so much so, she has devoted her life to writing about them.After being ostracized by the writing community, Maria sets out to complete her follow up to “Apparition of Souls”. This time, she seeks proof and will stop at nothing to document paranormal activity. She comes across a photo of a young Filipina, kidnapped by the Chinese mafia circa 1920 and brutalized through prostitution. Rumours escalate that her spirit lingers.

Maria learns of a mysterious folklore – the girl was possibly a Mangkukulam (a witch who cannot die until she passes on her power) or an Aswang (a Filipino ghoul who is drawn out only to feed). When Daila, Maria’s best friend, is attacked, she soon learns that the line between myth and reality is thinning.Hidden in the Central Islands of the Philippines, Capiz is a province where many believe in, and are thought to be, Aswang. Through a series of interactions with the local people, Maria explores the roots of the Aswang myth, and is privileged to see the rituals of a Babaylan (a modern day Aswang). The more she is drawn into the dark heart of the folklore, the more Maria discovers her own role in the myth that has cast a dark cloud over Capiz.

“Aswang: A Journey into Myth” is an improvised DocuMovie not only about Filipino Folklore, it is also about the artist’s process and how myth is perpetuated through their work. It is about how a creative mind eventually sculpts a new reality. Shot throughout Victoria, British Columbia’s downtown, as well as in the Philippines, the film offers a terrific view of the melding of myth and reality (Part 1 &2 of the film), and how the two, when combined, reveal a greater truth than either can reflect on their own. High Banks Entertainment Ltd. , in association with Dugo Capiznon Inc. presents, a Jordan Clark Film, “Aswang: A Journey Into Myth”. The DocuMovie/ Suspense film stars Janice Santos Valdez (in her screen debut), along with a special appearance from the Diamond of Filipino Cinema, Maricel Soriano (Mano Po, Filipinas).

We have also included, to the left, a few scores from the film - original music was composed by Charlie Armour in London, England.

Principal photography took place in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada and in Laguna Province, Quezon City, and Roxas City-Capiz, Philippines.