Sari Dalena’s Cinemartyrs Receives Special Mention at Asian Film Festival Barcelona 2026

BARCELONA, Spain — Filipino director Sari Raissa Lluch Dalena received a Special Mention from the Discoveries Section jury for her film Cinemartyrs at the 14th Asian Film Festival Barcelona (AFFBCN), which concluded on November 1, 2026.

The jury recognized Dalena for her commitment to decolonizing Philippine cinema and rediscovering the contributions of pioneering women filmmakers.

During an exchange with The Filipino Correspondent Network (TFCN), one of the jury members said they appreciated Dalena's boldness and her creative way of presenting the history of Philippine cinema.

The recognition was an added reason to celebrate for Dalena, who marked her birthday on October 28 with the screening of Cinemartyrs at Cinemes Girona. She came to Barcelona with her husband, Keith Sicat, who is also the film's producer.

Members of the Filipino community attended the screening to show their support and had the opportunity to meet the filmmakers.

Cinemartyrs, which won three awards at Cinemalaya 2025, including Best Director, looks back at forgotten events in Philippine history while also telling the stories of women filmmakers and the difficulties they face.

In an interview with Casa Asia, Dalena explained that the film was partly based on her personal experiences and those of other women directors who struggle to continue making films. "It's a composite of stories of women," she said, explaining that many women are unable to continue making films after completing their first projects because of professional, family and social pressures.

"So it is a privilege to create art, to make films," Dalena said, describing the film as a story about resistance and overcoming barriers. She also stressed the importance of remembering history and reflecting on its connection to events happening today.

The film also received positive reactions from Filipino viewers.

Tessie Tagama praised the cinematography, particularly the scene depicting a Muslim wedding, and the performances of the actors portraying Philippine history during the war.

Bella Lamsen Cabanilla appreciated how the film combined different historical stories and highlighted women's empowerment. She also liked seeing the different cultures, beliefs and traditional clothing of the Philippines.

Another Philippine film, Edjop, also brought special guests to Barcelona. Sisters Joyette and Teresa Jopson, daughters of Edgar “Edjop” Jopson, attended the screening on October 31 and participated in a Question and Answer session with the audience afterwards. Director Katski Flores was also scheduled to attend but was unable to join the Q&A due to a delay at the airport.

The film, starring Elijah Canlas and Jodi Sta. Maria, tells the story of Edgar Jopson, a student leader who joined the resistance against the Marcos dictatorship.

Meanwhile, Roid, directed by Mejbaur Rahman Sumon of Bangladesh, won the Best Film award in the Official Section.

This year's AFFBCN featured more than 100 films from 25 countries, with India as the featured country. Seven Philippine films participated in the festival: Cinemartyrs, Edjop, Silenced Nights, Greatest Performance, Desperada, I Grew an Inch When My Father Died and Moonglow.