Three generations of actresses unite in new Brillante Mendoza project

An extraordinary convergence of talent is set to unfold on the big screen as Charo Santos, Boots Anson-Roa, and Barbie Forteza come together for a new film under the direction of internationally acclaimed auteur Brillante Mendoza. The project, still largely shrouded in mystery, is already generating anticipation for its promise of emotional depth and powerhouse performances.

The casting was quietly revealed on social media, with Forteza sharing a post from director Real Florido teasing the film as a deeply affecting work. The announcement hinted at a story designed to move audiences, carried by three actresses whose careers span different eras of Philippine cinema and television, each bringing a distinct voice, gravitas, and screen presence.

At the helm is Mendoza, a filmmaker long synonymous with fearless storytelling and global recognition. He remains the first Filipino director to win Best Director at the Cannes Film Festival, an honor he received for Kinatay. His body of work has consistently appeared at major international festivals, including Berlin, Venice, and Busan, where his films have been praised for their raw honesty and unflinching examination of the human condition. His recent international success, Gensan Punch, earned the Kim Jiseok Award, further cementing his reputation as a filmmaker whose stories resonate beyond local borders.

The film also marks another compelling chapter in Charo Santos’ return to acting. Following a critically noted performance earlier this year, Santos continues to take on roles that challenge conventions around age, intimacy, and emotional vulnerability, reinforcing her standing as one of the most respected figures in Philippine entertainment.

For Boots Anson-Roa, the project signals a notable return to film after memorable television work in recent years. A pillar of Philippine media and drama, her presence brings a sense of wisdom and authority that few performers can match, making her collaboration with Mendoza particularly intriguing.

Completing the trio is Barbie Forteza, whose career has steadily evolved beyond her beginnings as a child star. With recent projects highlighting her versatility across genres and platforms, Forteza’s inclusion reflects her growing stature as one of her generation’s most dynamic actresses, now sharing the screen with icons who helped shape the industry she thrives in today.