Showbiz

Hilda Koronel's Epic Comeback: 'Sisa' Nabs Best Screenplay at Portugal's Fantasporto

Tabloid PH Newsdesk

Mar 9, 2026 — 1 min read

Photo: GMA News

Veteran actress Hilda Koronel just proved that legends don't fade — they reload. Her comeback film "Sisa" has won the Best Screenplay Award at the 46th Fantasporto International Film Festival in Portugal, one of the biggest and most prestigious film festivals in the world.

Director Jun Robles Lana confirmed the win on Instagram, calling it an honor for the entire team. "The most meaningful part of the journey is bringing this win back home," Direk Jun said, urging Filipinos to catch the film while it's still showing in local cinemas.

Now before you assume this is about the crazy Sisa from Jose Rizal's "Noli Me Tangere" — it's not. The film is a spy thriller set during the Philippine-American War of 1902, and Koronel's character is a cunning intelligence operative who only pretends to be mentally unwell. "Nagloloko-lokohan lang siya," Hilda explained with a knowing smile.

The recognition at Fantasporto puts Philippine cinema back on the global map. The festival, established in 1981, is considered the largest film festival in Portugal and ranks among the top 25 festivals worldwide. For a Filipino film to take home a major award there is no small feat.

For Hilda Koronel, who dominated Philippine cinema in the 1970s and 1980s before stepping away, this win is a powerful statement. At an age when most actors settle into retirement, she chose to come back swinging — and the world noticed. If you haven't seen "Sisa" yet, now's the time. Dalian na sa sinehan.

Source: GMA News

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