Gina Pareño starrers ‘Pila’ and ‘Poon’ to premiere at Moscow International Film Festival

Two films of veteran actress Gina Pareño will be premiered at the 48th Moscow International Film Festival, which will run from April 16 to 23 in Russia.

Director and screenwriter Adolfo Alix Jr. announced on social media last Saturday, April 4, that Pila (Queue) and Poon (The Hallowed) will have their world premieres at the festival.

In his latest Instagram post, director Alix praised Pareño. “A true icon never stops shining.” Alix highlighted her achievements, "The legendary Gina Pareño makes history with two films premiering at the prestigious Moscow International Film Festival this month, showcasing the incredible talent that has made her a pillar of Philippine Cinema."

He also noted her range as an actress, "In PILA (Queue)—shot in one breathtaking, continuous long take, Gina portrays a woman desperately braving the lines of a government agency to secure financial aid for her sick husband, and in POON (The Hallowed)—shifting gears into mystery, she plays a formidable matriarch who may be harboring a horrifying secret behind the death of her own husband."

Alix concluded with admiration for her enduring presence on screen, “To witness her command the screen in such diverse roles is a testament to her enduring greatness. Like fine wine, Tita Gina only becomes better, bolder, and brighter with time. Salute!”

Poon also stars Janice De Belen, Lotlot De Leon, Allen Dizon, Ara Mina, JC de Vera, Martin del Rosario, Bembol Roco, Elora Españo, Kelvin Miranda, Althea Ablan, Joao Constancia, Nella Dizon, and Will Ashley, alongside late actors Ronaldo Valdez and Jaclyn Jose.

Pila stars Tabs Sumulong, Erlinda Villalobos, Raquel Pareño, Kristel Fulgar, and Jacky Woo.

Established in 1935, the Moscow International Film Festival is one of the world’s oldest and most prestigious festivals, providing a platform for actors and filmmakers to reach global audiences.

Gina Pareño, whose real name is Geraldine Acthley, has been active in Philippine showbiz for over six decades. She is known as the "Queen of Philippine Melodrama" with films such as Kubrador, Serbis, and Kasal, Kasali, Kasalo.