24th New York Asian Film Festival

July 11-27, 2025

Photo: © 2025 Evolve Studios, Studio Viva, Viva Communications inc

North American Premiere

Lilim

After committing a desperate act of violence to escape an abusive home, Issa flees with her younger brother Tomas to a remote orphanage run by a secretive sect of nuns. Initially promising sanctuary, the isolated refuge soon reveals disturbing truths through the nuns’ increasingly sinister behavior, frightening hazing from fellow children, and nightly terrors haunting its shadowed halls. Issa’s hope for redemption and safety turns to dread as threats escalate, endangering their very lives. Director Mikhail Red (Birdshot) crafts a viciously atmospheric slow-burn horror, grounded in his brother Nikolas Red’s incisive, politically charged script that chillingly reflects the Philippines’ tumultuous past. Beware the sadistic evil beneath saintly appearances.

Director: Mikhail Red
Producer: Micah Tadena
Screenwriter: Nikolas Red
Cast: Heaven Peralejo, Eula Valdez, Ryza Cenon
Languages: Filipino with English subtitles
2025; 108 min.

SCHEDULE:

Saturday July 12, 8:00pm
Film at Lincoln Center

Intro and Q&A with director Mikhail Red and actress Heaven Peralejo