Jun Lana's new historical thriller 'Sisa' stars Hilda Koronel

KABALIWAN BA ANG lumaban para sa bayang ito? (Is it madness to fight for this country?)

Jun Robles Lana has unveiled the official poster for his new film, Sisa, a thriller based on the fictitious madwoman named Narcisa in Jose Rizal's Noli Me Tangere. After losing her sons to a massacre during the Philippine-American War, she enacts vengeance by downplaying her plot as a harmless "baliw."

Portraying the title character is Hilda Koronel — best known for her work with veteran filmmakers like Lino Brocka in Insiang and Mario O'Hara in Pangarap Ng Puso — who returns to the craft after more than a decade.

Lana shares with Deadline that his film "elevates the voices and experiences of marginalized women, challenging traditional gender roles and highlighting their crucial role in resistance movements.

"Despite the brutality and oppression they face, the characters in the story demonstrate the resilience and unwavering spirit of the Filipino people in their struggle for freedom and self-determination."

Lana reunites with his frequent DP, Carlos Robles Lana, who's worked on many of his films, including Anino sa Likod ng Buwan and Barber's Tales. Lana notes that the film's production went to great lengths to "recreate the sights, sounds, and even the smells of a reconcentrado (removal of rural inhabitants) in the early 1900s."

The new poster, designed by Justin Besana, made its debut on the director's Instagram page. Check it out below.

Sisa is slated for a 2025 release. Official date hasn't been announced as of press time.