Go Asia Entertainment Philippines is at Hong Kong FilMart 2026 with a five-title slate that stretches from supernatural horror to dissociative-identity thrillers and cross-cultural family drama, as the Manila-based company bids to expand Filipino cinema’s footprint in the international marketplace.
The lineup reflects a deliberate push to diversify beyond conventional genre fare, with the company positioning Philippine titles as distinctive offerings for both domestic and global buyers.
Among the slate is “Kono Basho,” directed by Jaime Pacena III and produced by Project 8 Projects. The drama follows Ella, a Filipina anthropologist who travels to Rikuzentakata City in Japan for the funeral of her estranged father, only to find herself navigating unfamiliar emotional terrain with his Japanese second family, including a half-sister, Reina. Set against the backdrop of the city’s recovery from the 2011 earthquake and tsunami, the film traces the two women’s gradual reconciliation through their father’s photographs, exploring themes of loss, identity and the Filipino diaspora. The cast includes Gabby Padilla, Arisa Nakano, Reiko Kataoka, Sho Yakamura and Satoshi Nikaido.
Also set partly in Japan is “The Red Dress,” directed by Donie Ordiales for High Road Creatives. The horror film centers on Leslie, a Filipina migrant factory worker tormented by her supervisor, whose life takes a supernatural turn when a haunted red dress selects her as its new owner. What begins as a tool for revenge gradually reveals a darker agenda, as the garment compels Leslie to hunt down the killer of its previous wearer. The film stars Jobelle Salvador, Kei Kurosawa and Ruby Moreno.
Go Asia is also presenting “Andoy,” directed by Mark Putian for Wonderlast Films. The film follows a clown, consumed by a desperate need for validation, who accepts a private booking, expecting a children’s party — only to discover his audience is a group of millennials and Gen Z adults who openly mock his performance. The humiliation unleashes long-suppressed rage, and his act spirals into something far more sinister. The cast features Cedrick Juan, Jennica Garcia, Albie Casiño, Paolo Gumabao and Angelica Lao.
“Manipula” (“Deceit”), directed by Neal Tan for Aflix Media Prods., rounds out the thriller offerings. In the film, Sylvia develops dissociative identity disorder after witnessing her father’s murder and surviving a traumatic assault. One of her alternate personalities — the cold and calculating Samantha — joins law enforcement to pursue her father’s killers, while other identities begin to surface with their own motives, seducing and manipulating powerful men as Sylvia’s search for justice veers into vengeance. The film stars Ana Jalandoni, Aljur Abrenica, Rosanna Roces, Allan Paule and Kiko Matos.
Rounding out the slate on a lighter note is “He’s Dating a Boldstar,” directed by Niokz Arcega for NKO Films. The risqué comedy centers on Jeboy, a mild-mannered hotel employee who falls for a woman he believes to be an ordinary guest — until he discovers she is a “bold star,” a Filipino term for adult entertainment actors. The film stars Joel “Malupiton” Ravanera, Analyn Barro and Kolokoys TV.
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