Chai Fonacier bags role in thriller film alongside Eva Green, Mark Strong

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 26) — Filipino actress Chai Fonacier is joining international film stars Eva Green and Mark Strong in a psychological thriller by Irish director Lorcan Finnegan, according to an exclusive report.

Variety, in its online edition on Thursday, said Fonacier will portray the role of a Filipino caregiver to a fashion designer with a mysterious illness played by Green in the film "Nocebo." It said Fonacier's character will use "traditional folk healing" to reveal a truth that will shock doctors and even the character of Strong, who will play Green's husband.

The film is now in production in Ireland. "Nocebo" is also reported to be the first co-production between Ireland and the Philippines with Epic Media as the Filipino co-producers. Variety also said the Film Development Council of the Philippines is helping finance the film.

Fonacier, who is based in Cebu, is an award-winning actress who starred in films "Patay na si Hesus," where she won the Luna Award for Best Supporting Actress, "Respeto," "Pauwi Na," "Born Beautiful" and "Miss Bulalacao," where she bagged the Cinema One Originals Film Festival's Best Supporting Actress trophy.

Green, a former Bond girl, is a Golden Globe nominee for her role in the series "Penny Dreadful," while BAFTA-nominee Strong is most known for his portrayals in "1917" and "The Kingsman" movie franchise.