Filipino Actress Angel Aquino and Taiwanese film `April’ honored at Asian Pop-Up Cinema Film Festival 2026

Famed Filipino actress Angel Aquino graced the red carpet of the Asian Pop-Up Cinema Film Festival in Chicago and has made many fellow Filipinos so proud of her and the Philippine film entry `April’, when she was recognized with the Pinnacle Career Achievement Award and the People’s Choice award at the 20th edition of Asian Pop-Up Cinema film festival.
Directed by Freddy Tang, APRIL is an offbeat comedy that follows a Filipino migrant worker and a Taiwanese ex-convict as they navigate the emotional complexities of homecoming and belonging.
This year marked the 20th edition of Asian Pop-up Cinema film festival that aims to connect “Chicago audiences with diverse voices from across Asia through North American premieres, filmmaker conversations, and community screenings.”
The edition showcased films from Malaysia, Vietnam, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, Hong Kong, Japan, and South Korea that opened last March 20 and ended April 12.
Angel described her “escapade in Chicago as serendipitous surreal, unexpected, and deeply fulfilling as it gave her so much honor and importance. It was exhilarating to be interviewed on a foreign TV show, and by international press people and meet strong and successful Pinay leaders who connect and support one another and make us proud! I hope I make them proud,” she added.
Angel also extended her gratitude to the festival organizers, including executive director and founder of Asian Pop-Up Cinema, Sophia Wong Boccio, for what she described as a once-in-a-lifetime experience. “Thank you for the honor, but more than this, thank you for the very personal care you gave me, my daughters, and my friends. You warmed my heart!” she said. “April in April in Chicago is one I will never forget.”