MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine film industry is buzzing with excitement as the iconic ‘Gold Standard’ of acting, Hilda Koronel, makes her highly anticipated return to the big screen. After years away from the spotlight, she is set to star in SISA, a film helmed by multi-awarded filmmaker Jun Robles Lana, whose celebrated body of work as writer and as director has earned him acclaim both locally and internationally.
Hilda Koronel, best known for her memorable performances in classics such as Maynila sa mga Kuko ng Liwanag and Insiang, remains one of the most revered names in Philippine cinema. Her acting prowess, often described as both powerful and nuanced, has made her a living legend in an industry that continues to evolve. Her decision to work with Jun Robles Lana, a director renowned for his boundary-pushing narratives and visual storytelling, marks a perfect match of two creative forces. Lana, the mind behind critically acclaimed films such as Die Beautiful, Barber’s Tales and Bwakaw, has expressed his admiration for Koronel, calling her “a true icon” and “a dream collaborator.”
Koronel and Lana are working together in the film, Sisa, a historical thriller that tells the story of a woman who defies expectations in an era when women were meant to be silent. Set during the Philippine-American War, Koronel’s character wanders the land, scarred and seemingly broken, as a madwoman named “Sisa.” But her madness is a mask, concealing her true identity as a spy driven by a burning desire for vengeance against those who destroyed her life.
Sisa is an international co-production between The IdeaFirst Company, Octobertrain Films, Quantum Films, Cineko Productions, CMB Films and Myanmar-based Forever Group.
The project represents more than just a career comeback; it is a celebration of Philippine cinema’s rich legacy and its continuing evolution. Koronel’s return is a nostalgic nod to the golden age of Filipino films, while Lana’s innovative vision ensures the story resonates with contemporary audiences.
Watch our coverage from the media conference below: