At the upcoming 2026 Sundance Film Festival, a new short film titled "Taga" promises to engage audiences with its unique blend of horror and cultural exploration. Directed by Jill Marie Sachs, the film is a personal reflection on identity and belonging, rooted in her own experiences as a mixed Filipina American. With a runtime that appeals to both horror enthusiasts and those seeking deeper narratives, "Taga" illustrates the complexities of cultural identity through a chilling lens. Sachs, who grew up in Lake Arrowhead, California, often felt the pangs of not belonging. Her journey toward self-discovery took a significant turn when she visited the Philippines for the first time at the age of 13. During that trip, she met relatives she had never known, indulged in local delicacies like ube birthday cake, and engaged in the popular Filipino pastime of karaoke. This transformative experience laid the groundwork for her burgeoning interest in horror, particularly in relation to cultural folklore. The film's title, "Taga," is derived from Tagalog, meaning both "from" and "to stab." This etymology aptly encapsulates the film's central theme, which delves into the dichotomy of cultural belonging and the sometimes painful search for identity. Sachs explains, “Culture is a funny thing. You don’t know exactly where it lies. Does it lie in the language? In singing karaoke with your family? In the myths and stories that existed before colonization?” This inquiry into cultural roots serves as a backdrop for the film's narrative. In "Taga," viewers follow Vivi, a third-culture Filipina American, who joins an eco-volunteer group on a trip to the Philippines. Her intent is to reconnect with her heritage, but tensions arise as the volunteers interact with local communities. Sachs notes that the portrayal of the eco-volunteers is inspired by real experiences she encountered during her travels. Many volunteers arrive with an air of superiority, aiming to 'fix' problems rather than appreciating the culture. This attitude often leads to resentment among the locals, creating a conflict that drives the narrative forward. One of the film's supernatural elements is the emergence of the Nangangatok, a spirit from Filipino folklore known for knocking on doors at night. This spectral figure serves as a metaphor for the cultural dissonance experienced by both the volunteers and the locals. Sachs emphasizes that the film aims to critique the lack of respect shown by the volunteers towards the customs and traditions of the Filipino people, an issue she feels passionately about. The filming of "Taga" took place in the picturesque but challenging Cordillera mountain range of the Province of Kalinga in the Philippines. Sachs and her crew faced several logistical hurdles, including transporting a segmented monster costume and props through customs in China. While the crew managed to navigate customs unscathed, they encountered significant difficulties on location, primarily due to relentless rain. Sachs recalls moments when the camera crew struggled to maintain equipment in muddy conditions, stating, “At times, we were sliding down the mud trying to rescue the Alexa camera.” Despite these challenges, the experience proved rewarding. The film not only allowed Sachs to connect with her cultural roots but also resonated with others who share similar backgrounds. During screenings within the Filipino community, Sachs found that many audience members identified with her narrative. A notable symbol of this shared experience is a traditional Kalinga tattoo featuring three dots, representing the tattoo artist and her two apprentices, which Sachs also bears on her arm. She remarks, “You just know instantly you have so much of that wandering and questioning and yearning in common when you see that tattoo.” The film's premiere is scheduled for January 25, 2026, at The Ray Theatre as part of the Midnight Short Film Program, with additional screenings following. Tickets can be reserved online, with an option for virtual viewing as well. The film invites viewers to reflect on their own journeys of identity while simultaneously delivering a gripping horror narrative that taps into the rich tapestry of Filipino folklore. In a world grappling with issues of cultural erasure and identity crises, "Taga" offers a poignant exploration of what it means to belong, making it a significant entry in this year's Sundance Film Festival. As audiences prepare for the film's debut, it stands as a testament to the power of storytelling in addressing complex cultural themes through the lens of horror.