MANILA, Philippines — Veteran actress Hilda Koronel’s comeback film “Sisa” continues to gain international recognition after winning Best Screenplay at the 46th Fantasporto International Film Festival in Portugal.
The milestone was shared on Instagram by director Jun Robles Lana on Sunday, March 8, who called the award “an honor for our team” and highlighted the importance of bringing the story back home to Philippine audiences.
“Just got the word: Sisa won Best Screenplay at Fantasporto in Portugal! It’s an honor for our team to see this story recognized on an international stage, but the most meaningful part of the journey is bringing this win back home,” Lana said.
He encouraged moviegoers to catch the film while it’s still in theaters. “If you love stories that stick with you, please give Sisa a chance. Let’s show the world that our stories have a home in our own theaters. See you at the movies!” he added.
Written, directed, and co-produced by Lana, Sisa is set during the Philippine-American War and follows a mysterious woman named Sisa (Koronel) who feigns madness to infiltrate a town, aiming to lead the locals in a revolt against American forces.
The film also stars Eugene Domingo, Jennica Garcia, Tanya Gomez, Kobie Brown, Barbara Miguel, and Romnick Sarmenta. It was screened from March 4 to 6 under Fantasporto’s Directors’ Week and Orient Express categories. Sisa had its world premiere at the 29th Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival in November 2025 before hitting Philippine cinemas four months later.
