Filipino Film “Tigkiliwi” shines at FantasPorto Film Festival
Philippine Ambassador Paul Raymund Cortes during a photo with Director Tara Illenberger and the FantasPorto Film Festival organizers.
Lisbon, 05 March 2026 – The Philippine Embassy in Lisbon graced the FantasPorto Film Festival on 05 March 2026 in support of Tigkiliwi, one of the two Filipino feature films in competition at the festival. Ambassador Paul Raymund Cortes praised the film as an ode to women highlighting the contributions of women as the backbone of society and the challenges they faced, simply for standing up for their rights as human beings. He also highlighted the role of folklore in every culture and society.
Ambassador Cortes further emphasized that the Philippines’ participation in FantasPorto is particularly meaningful as the Philippines and Portugal celebrate the 80th anniversary of diplomatic relations this year. Cultural exchanges such as film festivals highlight the longstanding friendship between the two nations and strengthen people-to-people connections through shared artistic experiences. He also noted that the Philippine film industry is not only a vital platform for artistic expression but also a significant contributor to the country’s creative economy, generating opportunities for artists, filmmakers, and cultural workers while promoting the Philippines on the international stage.
In another forum, the Ambassador engaged in an exchange with Mr. Christopher Cahilig, Festival Director of CinePanalo, an emerging independent film festival that integrates both technical and performance-based competitions in film. Their discussion acknowledged that, despite persistent structural constraints to sustained global visibility, Filipino filmmakers have repeatedly demonstrated their capacity to compete and excel in major international platforms, including renowned genre festivals such as FantasPorto in Porto. Both likewise underscored that Philippine cinema, the broader arts sector, and Filipino music constitute strategic cultural assets for enhancing the Philippines’ soft power and securing greater recognition within the global arts community.
Tigkiliwi directed by Tara Illenberger, tells a story of orphaned siblings who after recently losing their mother find family in the most unexpected strangers. The film was screened on 02 March 2026 and 05 March 2026 at Batalha Centro de Cinema in Porto, Portugal. END
Philippine Ambassador Paul Raymund Cortes during a photo with Director Tara Illenberger and producers of the film.