LAYA, ANDREA, JC AND SIGRID SHINE IN LONDON

By Rommel Gonzales

Manila, Philippines – Following the media launch of LAYA on November 12, attended by itslead cast members Andrea Brillantes and JC Santos, alongside director Sigrid P. Bernardo, the film earned another achievement on the international stage as Andrea Brillantes took home

Best Acting Performance at the 2026 Women and the World International Film Festival in London for her portrayal in the film. LAYA also premiered at the festival, and it is the only Southeast Asian entry in the Feature Fiction Competition, proudly representing the Philippines in an international selection of films.

Based in London, The Women and the World International Film Festival celebrates independent cinema from the United Kingdom and around the world. Its programming brings together feature films, documentaries, short films, and television reports that examine women’s evolving roles in contemporary society, with narratives exploring conflict, security, leadership, and the complexities of the modern world.

“Portraying Sab challenged me to explore the complexities of being human. Her journey is a mixed bag of pain, forgiveness, and finding the courage to choose compassion, which ultimately brings her to what she’s looking for in her life. Being recognized in a city like London is a milestone for and I’m grateful to Director Sigrid, our producers, and the production crew in helping me become Sab. I hope the audiences will resonate with Sab’s story, as much as I did,” shared by Brillantes.

In LAYA, Brillantes takes on the role of Sab, a woman who arrives in a quiet seaside town driven by a singular purpose: to exact revenge on Tuki, portrayed by JC Santos. A reclusive former convict, Tuki is the man Sab holds responsible for her father’s death. As part of her plan, Sab establishes a connection with Tuki, intending to get close enough to carry out her revenge. But as their relationship unfolds, the certainty behind her mission begins to unravel. Caught between vengeance and an unexpected sense of compassion, Sab is confronted with a choice that challenges everything she believes: to pursue retribution or break free from the cycle of violence that has held them both captive. Written and directed by Sigrid Andrea P. Bernadino, LAYA is produced by Rein Entertainment Productions, with support from the Film Development Council of the Philippines through its CreatePH Large Budget Production Grant.

“LAYA is one of those difficult stories about being human. It presents the complexities on how one can achieve freedom, or how we can be freed from the weight of our past, expectations that are imposed on us, and how we fight against these societal restraints. 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,” shared by Bernadino.

Following its international festival premiere and Brillantes’ Best Acting Performance recognition, LAYA now brings its story of freedom, second chances, and acceptance to Filipino audiences.

Discover Sab’s journey when LAYA opens in cinemas nationwide on November 25.