Andrea Brillantes champions women’s stories as ‘LAYA’ makes history at London fest

“We all deserve to be free: free to love, free to live, and free to create.”

Actress Andrea Brillantes put women’s freedom and creative expression at the center of her message as she represented the Philippines at the opening gala of the Women and the World International Film Festival (WWIFF) 2026 in London.

Brillantes, lead star of Rein Entertainment’s latest feature film, “LAYA,” delivered a speech during the November 5 ceremony, celebrating the importance of creating spaces where women’s stories and voices take center stage.

“Thank you for championing women’s stories in cinema. We need more spaces like this film festival; spaces that put women at the center of creativity,” she said.

“Laya” means “freedom” in Filipino, Brillantes pointed out, emphasizing that the right to love, live, and create freely is something everyone deserves.

The actress attended the gala alongside the festival’s ambassador and jury representatives, giving the Philippine film a special spotlight ahead of its world premiere.

Pinoy film takes center stage

Directed by acclaimed Filipino filmmaker Sigrid Andrea P. Bernardo, known for “Kita Kita” and “I’mPerfect,” “LAYA” will hold its World Premiere on November 7 at Rio Cinema in London as part of WWIFF 2026.

The film is competing in the Feature Fiction Competition, making it the festival’s sole Philippine entry among selections from Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom.

It is also the festival’s only World Premiere, giving the Philippine production a special distinction in this year’s lineup.

Brillantes, who stars alongside JC Santos and Anthony Jennings, will join a post-screening question-and-answer session, giving audiences an opportunity to hear more about the film.

A story about freedom

Bernardo offered a glimpse into the personal reflections behind the film, describing how its themes continued to resonate with her throughout the creative process.

“Laya stayed with me somewhere deep. Between the ocean, whale sharks and the things we keep buried inside us, I kept thinking about freedom,” the director shared.

“LAYA” is supported by the Film Development Council of the Philippines through its CreatePH Large Budget Production Grant.

The film’s international co-producer, Arleen Cuevas, also took part in a UK Parliament roundtable with Minister Ian Murray titled “The Role of Women in Cinema in Times of Global Crisis.”

Following its London world premiere, “LAYA” is scheduled to open in Philippine cinemas nationwide on November 25, 2026.