The Philippine film “Sisa” has won the Best Screenplay Award at the 46th Fantasporto International Film Festival in Portugal, one of the country’s top international film events and ranked among the world’s 25 leading film festivals.
Director Jun Robles Lana confirmed the accolade on Instagram, saying:
“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.”
Currently showing in Philippine cinemas, Lana encouraged audiences to support the film locally:
“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!”
The film also marks the comeback of veteran actress Hilda Koronel after more than a decade-long hiatus.
Set during the Philippine-American War in 1902, “Sisa” is a spy thriller, with Koronel clarifying that the character is not related to Jose Rizal’s Sisa from Noli Me Tangere:
“She’s a spy. So hindi ‘to—they have a misconception na si Sisa ‘to ni Rizal. It’s not. Because it’s in 1902. This is the Philippine-American War already.”
Koronel described her character’s playful disguise, saying:
“Nagloloko-lokohan lang siya,” referring to her pretense of being unwell.