Filipino actress Andrea Brillantes won the Best Acting Performance award at the prestigious Women and the World International Film Festival 2026 in London after her film LAYA premiered as the only Southeast Asian entry in the festival’s Feature Fiction Competition.
The international spotlight follows closely after LAYA’s media launch on November 12, attended by lead stars Brillantes and JC Santos, along with director Sigrid Andrea P. Bernadino. The film’s achievement not only celebrates individual talent but also brings Filipino cinema to a global platform that focuses on stories about women’s journeys, resilience, and evolving roles in society.
Brillantes portrays Sab, a woman who travels to a quiet seaside town seeking revenge on Tuki (played by JC Santos), the man she blames for her father’s death. As Sab forms a connection with Tuki, her mission for revenge is tested by unexpected compassion, forcing her to grapple with the choice between retribution and freedom from the past. “Portraying Sab challenged me to explore the complexities of being human... I’m grateful to Director Sigrid, our producers, and the crew for helping me become Sab,” Brillantes shared.
Written and directed by Bernadino and produced by Rein Entertainment Productions, LAYA explores themes of forgiveness, freedom, and second chances. The film also received support from the Film Development Council of the Philippines through its CreatePH Large Budget Production Grant, underscoring a commitment to championing Filipino stories internationally.
Director Bernadino reflected on LAYA’s recognition, stating, “LAYA presents the complexities of how one can achieve freedom... To have our woman-led story recognized on this international platform, and to see our female lead receive such acknowledgement, is in itself an achievement for the entire cast and crew, and for Filipina cinema.”
The Women and the World International Film Festival, based in London, celebrates independent films that examine women’s roles in contemporary society. The festival brings together narratives on conflict, leadership, and modern challenges, providing new spaces for stories like LAYA to resonate with global audiences.
Following its international premiere and Brillantes’ award, LAYA will now be shown in Philippine cinemas nationwide starting November 25, inviting Filipino viewers to witness Sab’s compelling quest for self-discovery and liberation.