Aswang (1994 film)

Aswang
DVD cover artwork for the film
Directed by	Wrye Martin Barry Poltermann
Written by	Frank L. Anderson Wrye Martin Barry Poltermann
Produced by	Wrye Martin Barry Poltermann
Starring	Norman Moses Tina Ona Paukstelis
Cinematography	Jim Zabilla
Edited by	Barry Poltermann
Music by	Ken Brahmstedt
Production company	Young American Films[1]
Distributed by	Mondo Macabro (USA, DVD)
Release date	1994 (1994)
Running time	82 minutes
Country	United States
Language	English
Budget	$110,000[2]

Aswang, also called The Unearthing, is a 1994 American horror film directed and written by Wrye Martin and Barry Poltermann. It is based on the mythical creature that feeds on the unborn in Philippine folklore, with the screenplay written following a story telling session by Frank L. Anderson, who was a friend of the filmmakers. The movie was written by amateur directors Wyre Martin and Barry Poltermann and shot with a low budget, while actors were paid just $50 a day with the expectation they would receive a cut of any future profit. Many of the actors were cast from Milwaukee theater group Theatre X, most of whom had never acted in a film before.

To achieve some of its effects, the film utilized reverse motion as well as hiring an effects technician and a mechanical tongue, despite the limited budget. Some people had mixed opinions on the film, with some believing it was too slow to start while others felt the opposite, that it started well but were disappointed with the ending; critic Emanuel Levy considered it was "more gruesome and gross than really frightening". It was one of only 65 films selected to be shown at the Sundance Film Festival, to a mixed audience reception. Some people walked out part way through due to the use of blood and gore.