Up-and-coming star Shanaia Gomez ventures into horror with her latest film, The Gatekeeper, an iWantTFC Original, just in time for the Halloween season.
Streaming starting today, Oct. 19, The Gatekeeper taps into modern fears and supernatural elements to create a terrifying experience that combines riddles from antiquity with Filipino legend.
Directed by Matthew and Dean Rosen, the team behind the acclaimed biopic Quezon’s Game, the film centers on Cita, an antiques dealer played by Shanaia. The story intensifies when Cita stumbles upon a mysterious cabinet that turns out to be a portal to the underworld. As the unwitting gatekeeper between our world and darker realms, Cita’s journey promises suspense and terror.
In previous interviews, Shanaia expressed that taking on the lead role in a horror film marked an exciting new chapter in her acting career. Known for her roles in TV dramas like FPJ’s Batang Quiapo and Can’t Buy Me Love, and her time as a housemate in Pinoy Big Brother Kumunity Season 10, this horror role showcases her versatility as an actress.
“I didn’t see myself doing horror. But when this opportunity came, I decided to embrace it. I discovered a lot about myself while filming this movie. I’m really excited for everyone to see it, and I can’t wait to try other genres as well,” Shanaia shared.
Before The Gatekeeper, Shanaia was recognized more for her singing career, having competed in the first season of Idol Philippines. She also recently made waves in the music scene with her single “Cloud 9,” under Star Music. Her transition into acting has been steady, with notable roles in He’s Into Her and a part in the country’s highest-grossing film, Rewind.
The directors of The Gatekeeper praised Shanaia’s dedication to the role and commended her acting skills, despite being relatively new to the business.
“We are in awe of her performance. Shanaia brought depth and authenticity to the character of Cita, making her journey both believable and relatable,” said Matthew. He added that the film is not just about fear, but also a journey into the unknown. “It combines ancient biblical mysteries with Filipino lore.”
Dean Rosen further explained the film’s layered storytelling: “The Gatekeeper is as much a mystery as it is a horror film. It combines elements from history with supernatural themes, and by the end, it offers answers to those mysteries.”
The Gatekeeper streams for free on iWantTFC.com and the official iWantTFC app.
