Chuzalongo
Chuzalongo is a 2024 folk horror film written and directed by Diego Ortuño, based on the traditional Andean legend "El Chuzalongo", which is represented as a child-elf who sexually assaults women. It stars Bruno Odar, Wolframio Sinué and Aléx Cisneros accompanied by Fernando Bacilio, Mónica Mancero, Toa Tituaña, Yuyak Guitarra, Lenin Farinango and Sisa Farez.
It was selected as the Ecuadorian entry for the Best International Feature Film at the 98th Academy Awards, but it was not nominated.
Synopsis
Women are being murdered by a mysterious creature known as the Chuzalongo. Father Nicanor will investigate the deaths surrounding the legend while the revolution and the enslavement experienced by those called Indians increasingly complicate his work, and the desperation of the community members seeks to stem the number of deaths and disappearances.Cast
- Bruno Odar as Nicanor
- Wolframio Sinué as Melalo
- Aléx Cisneros as Don Alfonso
- Fernando Bacilio as Segundo
- Mónica Mancero as Lucía
- Toa Tituaña as Rosa
- Yuyak Guitarra as Awki
- Karla Gómez as Magdalena
- Lenin Farinango as Narrator
- Matilde Lagos as Mamita Juana
- Gael Ortuño as Kid
- Sisa Farez
Production
The script took 5 years to write. Principal photography began on May 1, 2023, in Quito, Cayambe, Cotacachi and Pintag, Ecuador, lasting 4 weeks.Release
Chuzalongo had its world premiere on April 11, 2024, at the 20th Fantaspoa, and then screened on September 25, 2024, at the 10th Guayaquil International Film Festival.The film was released commercially on October 31, 2024, in Ecuadorian theaters, and on November 6, 2025, in Peruvian theaters under the title "En el nombre del mal".