LUTAO

Not every corpse is meant to rest.

LUTAO is an independent Filipino folk horror short film by INATO Pictures, written and directed by Michael Enolpe Compoc from a story concept with Harsey Panisa Antocan. Set in a remote Mindanao Muslim village, the 20-minute film blends the regional folklore of the Lutao with the Southeast Asian Pocong legend, a shroud-wrapped corpse returning from the grave. ​Rather than a simple retelling, LUTAO crafts an original apocalyptic survival thriller. The horror begins when a fisherman unearths a hidden forest grave, unleashing an unexplainable outbreak upon the quiet community. As chaos spreads, one family fights to survive while confronting fear, faith, buried secrets, and grief. ​Told through authentic Bisaya and Tausug storytelling, LUTAO explores themes of accountability and compassion. Created entirely without a production budget or sponsors, this passion project celebrates Mindanaoan cultural identity while offering a bold, fresh vision for local and international audiences.

• Horror