Lhorvie Nuevo-Tadioan Lands Lead in 'Mother Maybe'

The production company Southern Lantern Studios revealed the casting news, confirming that Lhorvie Nuevo-Tadioan secured the title role. Nuevo-Tadioan is a well-known figure in the Philippine theater scene, bringing significant stage experience to the film. Her addition to the cast solidifies the project's artistic direction and provides a strong anchor for the narrative. She will be working under the direction of Sonny Calvento, who is helming the feature.

Joining Nuevo-Tadioan is actor Anthony Jennings, who was previously announced as part of the cast. Jennings is set to play the character Marco. The plot follows Marco as he reunites with his long-lost mother, a reunion that likely drives the film's emotional and genre elements. The combination of Nuevo-Tadioan's theatrical background and Jennings' presence suggests a focus on strong character performances.

The announcement specifically highlights the following key production details:

• Director: Sonny Calvento
• Lead Actor: Anthony Jennings (as Marco)
• Title Role: Lhorvie Nuevo-Tadioan
• Genre: Horror-comedy-drama

"Mother Maybe" is structured as a tri-national co-production, bringing together distinct entities from Southeast Asia and the surrounding region. This collaborative model allows for shared financing, distribution networks, and creative input from different markets. The participating companies are Southern Lantern Studios (Philippines), E&W Films (Singapore), and Volos Films Ltd. (Taiwan). Each company represents its respective country's film industry.

The involvement of E&W Films from Singapore and Volos Films Ltd. from Taiwan alongside the Philippine-based Southern Lantern Studios indicates a broad appeal for the project. Such cross-border partnerships are becoming increasingly common in Asian cinema, allowing filmmakers to access wider audiences and diverse resources. The production setup underscores the film's potential for international distribution and recognition.

The film is categorized as a horror-comedy-drama, blending multiple genres to create a unique viewing experience. This specific mix suggests that the film will balance scares with humor while maintaining an emotional core. The narrative focuses on Marco, played by Anthony Jennings, and his journey to reconnect with his mother. The title role, taken by Lhorvie Nuevo-Tadioan, is presumably the mother figure central to this reunion.

While specific plot details beyond the reunion remain under wraps, the genre classification provides insight into the film's tone. Audiences can expect a story that navigates the complexities of family relationships through a lens that incorporates supernatural or frightening elements, tempered by comedic relief. The casting of a theater veteran like Nuevo-Tadioan suggests that the dramatic elements will be handled with significant depth.

This casting and production announcement signals a notable development in the regional film landscape. Lhorvie Nuevo-Tadioan's transition from theater to a leading role in a multi-country film production highlights the crossover of talent between stage and screen. It also emphasizes the role of Southern Lantern Studios in facilitating high-profile collaborations within the Philippines and abroad.

The project serves as an example of the creative synergy possible between the Philippines, Singapore, and Taiwan. By combining the strengths of E&W Films, Volos Films Ltd., and local talent, "Mother Maybe" is positioned to be a significant entry in the upcoming slate of Asian films. The involvement of Sonny Calvento as the director further cements the project's creative ambitions.