Filipino cinema continues to make waves internationally as “Tigkiliwi (Lopsided)”, directed by Tara Illenberger, secures a spot in the Official Competitive Director’s Week of the 46th Fantasporto Film Festival in Porto, Portugal.
The Puregold CinePanalo-backed feature marks another milestone for local filmmaking on the global stage.
“Tigkiliwi” follows orphaned siblings Lala and Marlin as they navigate life on their own, finding refuge with an elderly woman rumored to be an aswang, a shape-shifting creature from Philippine folklore.
The film stars Ruby Ruiz, Gabby Padilla, Julian Paul Larroder and Sunshine Teodoro, whose performances have already captivated audiences in the Philippines.
The film previously won the Jury Prize at the 2025 Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival, becoming the second CinePanalo-supported feature to make it to Fantasporto after “Pushcart Tales.”
Fantasporto, running from Feb. 27 to March 8, 2026, is internationally recognized for celebrating imaginative cinema in fantasy, horror, and science fiction, attracting over 110,000 attendees annually.
Illenberger expressed excitement over the film’s international journey.
“I’m excited to find out if people will laugh or cry, or respond to it the same way the Filipino audience did. Of course, I am thrilled by the prospect of visiting Portugal for the first time with my Puregold CinePanalo family,” the director said.
Puregold CinePanalo Senior Marketing Manager Ivy Hayagan-Piedad highlighted the significance of the selection.
“Tigkiliwi’s acceptance to Fantasporto has once again proven that Filipino narratives resonate on a global scale. We aim to pave the way for stories of our culture to receive the recognition they deserve. We could not be prouder to see another CinePanalo film represent Filipino cinema with such distinction,” she said.
The festival’s Official Competitive Director’s Week is reserved for feature films, with other sections like the Official Fantastic Cinema and Oriental Express showcasing shorts and Asian productions. Eligibility requires films to be produced in 2025, have English subtitles and premiere in Portugal.
“Tigkiliwi’s” selection adds to the growing international footprint of Puregold CinePanalo, whose films have previously received recognition at major festivals worldwide.
Other notable titles include Sigrid Bernardo’s “Pushcart Tales,” JP Habac’s “Olsen’s Day,” TM Malones’”Salum,” Jill Singson Urdaneta’s “Co-Love,” Mes de Guzman’s “Sepak Takraw” and Catsi Catalan’s “Fleeting,” as well as shorts such as Kent Michael Cadungog’s “Text FIND DAD, Send to 2366,” Mark Joseph Sanchez’s “Our One and Only Bab(oy)” and Jenievive Adame’s “Smokey Journey.” Many of these films have competed in festivals across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, including Germany, Pakistan, China, India, Egypt and the Philippines’ own international showcases.
RELATED: Rundown: Films, actors honored at CinePanalo 2025 awards night
Since its launch in 2024, Puregold CinePanalo has focused on uplifting stories of hope and triumph, nurturing emerging Filipino filmmakers and providing a platform for locally made stories to shine on a global stage.
—With Rosette Adel
READ: Rundown: 7 films announced as official entries for Puregold CinePanalo 2026
