'Laya' represents PH at Women and the World International Film Festival 2026 in London


Rein Entertainment's latest feature film, "Laya" (Freedom), is set to hold its World Premiere on November 7, 2026, at Rio Cinema in London, as part of the Women and the World International Film Festival (WWIFF) 2026.

Selected for the Feature Fiction Competition, "Laya" stands as the festival's sole Philippine entry, joining films from countries including Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Canada, the United States and the United Kingdom.

As the festival's only World Premiere, "Laya" received a special spotlight during the Opening Gala Night on November 5 London time, with Andrea Brillantes, the lead actress, attending the ceremony delivering a speech alongside the ambassador and jury representatives, representing the Philippines and celebrating women’s voices in cinema.

“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. Laya means 'freedom' in Filipino. And I believe we all deserve to be free: Free to love, free to live, and free to create, " Brillantes said during her speech.

Directed by acclaimed Filipino filmmaker Sigrid Andrea P. Bernardo (Kita Kita, I'mPerfect),"Laya" stars Brillantes alongside JC Santos and Anthony Jennings.

Following the world premiere screening, Brillantes will also join a special post-screening Q&A with audiences.

Reflecting on the film, Bernardo shares: “Laya" stayed with me somewhere deep. Between the ocean, whale sharks and the things we keep buried inside us, I kept thinking about freedom..."

"Laya" is supported by the Film Development Council of the Philippines through its CreatePH Large Budget Production Grant. Its international co-producer, Arleen Cuevas, also participated in a UK Parliament roundtable with Minister Ian Murray on "The Role of Women in Cinema in Times of Global Crisis."

Following its London premiere, "Laya" opens nationwide in Philippine cinemas on November 25, 2026.

Main photo caption: Andrea Brillantes 


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