‘Sisa’ Draws Packed U.S. Audience as North American Premiere Sells Out

NEW YORK, USA – Filipino historical thriller Sisa continues its remarkable international run after tickets for its North American premiere at the 49th Asian American International Film Festival (AAIFF) sold out, reflecting the growing global appreciation for Philippine cinema. The festival organizers announced that the initial allocation of tickets had been fully booked,.

Directed by acclaimed Filipino filmmaker Jun Robles Lana, Sisa stars veteran actress Hilda Koronel in her celebrated return to the big screen. The historical thriller is set during the final years of the Philippine-American War and presents a powerful reimagining of the iconic literary name “Sisa” as a symbol of resilience and resistance.

The sold-out screening marks another milestone for the film, which first earned international recognition after premiering at the Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival in Estonia. It also won the Best Screenplay award at the Fantasporto International Film Festival in Portugal, further strengthening its reputation among international audiences and critics.

Film enthusiasts and members of the Filipino community in the United States expressed excitement over the opportunity to watch the critically acclaimed production, highlighting the increasing visibility of Filipino stories on the global stage.

The strong response to Sisa demonstrates the worldwide appeal of Philippine filmmaking and reinforces the growing demand for Filipino-produced films in international film festivals and overseas markets.