SPECIAL GUESTS: Intro and Q&A with actress Angel Aquino
Angel Aquino will receive the PINNACLE CAREER ACHIEVEMENT AWARD before feature presentation
CENTERPIECE FILM
April
(丟包阿公到我家)
NORTH AMERICAN PREMIERE
A Filipino migrant worker and a Taiwanese ex-convict experience the complex emotions of homecoming in this offbeat comedy
Date: Thursday, April 2
Time: 7:00 PM (Doors open at 6:30 PM)
Location: AMC NEWCITY 14
Taiwan/The Philippines | Comedy | 2025 | 105 minutes
In Taiwanese Hakka, Filipino, Mandarin and English w/ Chinese and English Subtitles
Director/Screenwriter: Freddy Tang
Starring: Liu Kuan-ting, Angel Aquino, Zhang Xiao-xiong, Kaiser Chuang, Esther Huang
Film Source: Hakka Public Communication Foundation
Filipino migrant worker April’s mother has become critically ill, but the only way she can make the trip home is by taking along the ailing Taiwanese old man whom she is looking after. When the old man’s son returns from prison to an empty house, his story intertwines with April’s in unexpected ways.
Former attorney Freddy Tang’s follow-up to his acclaimed series Port of Lies deftly juggles serious issues such as elderly care, migrant workers and criminal rehabilitation with warmth and humor. As the parallel storylines roll along, the film reveal its true nature as a profound exploration of roots, drifting and homecoming.
Freddy Tang, Director & Screenwriter
Tang earned a Master of Laws degree in Taiwan and practiced law for five years before receiving a Ministry of Education scholarship to pursue a Master of Fine Arts in Film Directing at the California Institute of the Arts (CalArts). Drawing on his legal training and litigation experience, his work is marked by a nuanced and realistic portrayal of human dilemmas within the legal system.
Angel Aquino, Actress
Angel Aquino is a celebrated Filipino actress whose distinguished career spans over three decades, making her one of the Philippines’ most respected and versatile performers. Known for her elegance, emotional depth, and compelling screen presence, she has consistently delivered powerful portrayals that resonate with audiences both locally and internationally.
She first rose to prominence with her breakthrough role in Laro sa Baga, earning critical acclaim for her nuanced and emotionally rich performance. She went on to solidify her reputation with standout roles in Crying Ladies and Donsol—films that were selected as Philippine submissions to the Academy Awards and screened on international stages.
Aquino is widely recognized for her ability to portray complex and multi-dimensional women, from vulnerable protagonists to morally intricate antagonists, with authenticity, grace, and strength. Her work spans independent cinema, mainstream films, and television dramas, demonstrating remarkable range and consistency.
Throughout her career, she has received numerous accolades, including:
Gawad Urian Award – honoring excellence in Philippine cinema
PMPC Star Awards – multiple wins for both film and television performances
Golden Screen Awards – nominations and wins recognizing outstanding contributions to Philippine storytelling
At this year’s festival, Aquino stars in the highly anticipated film APRIL, where she delivers a deeply compelling and emotionally resonant performance that reflects her continued evolution as an artist. The film highlights her ability to bring authenticity and depth to characters, reinforcing her reputation as a leading figure in contemporary Philippine cinema.
Beyond her achievements on screen, Angel Aquino is admired for her professionalism, artistic integrity, and advocacy for meaningful storytelling. She continues to mentor younger actors and champion projects that elevate Filipino cinema on both local and international platforms.
With a career that seamlessly balances critical acclaim, commercial success, and artistic integrity, Angel Aquino remains an enduring inspiration for audiences and emerging talent alike, embodying the artistry, resilience, and elegance that define her remarkable journey in Philippine entertainment.