The film was directed and written by Joven Tan and it was produced by Horseshoe Studios. Tan described Otlum as being similar to films of the Shake, Rattle and Roll franchise, which the director said he enjoyed watching growing up.[4]
Release
Otlum was released in cinemas in the Philippines on December 25, 2018, as part of the 2018 Metro Manila Film Festival. The film marks as Joven Tan's directorial debut in the film festival,[4] as well as the film acting debut of Ricci Rivero, who was more noted for being a basketball player. Otlum's selection as among the eight entries was met with some controversy after the MMFF executive committee chose the film over Alpha: The Right To Kill. In response to the controversy, co-lead Rivero dismissed criticism on the film's selection remarking that he could not "control others' opinions".[5]
References
^"'Otlum'". Philippine Daily Inquirer. December 23, 2018.