Kapamilya actress Janella Salvador and Thai star Win Metawin’s highly anticipated film, Under Parallel Skies, will mark a significant milestone as it is set to be the first Philippine cross-country film to have its world premiere in Hong Kong on March 11.

The film will have its grand premiere at APM in Kwun Tong, Hong Kong and is set to be one of the special events of the prestigious 17th Asian Film Awards (AFA).

The film will have its Hong Kong premiere at the B+ cinema where its lead stars, Win and Janella, are set to grace the special event, as well as film director Sigrid Bernardo and executive producers Richard Juan and Kristhoff Cagape of 28 Squared Studios.

Members of the AFA committee, the film’s partners, and select guests of honor are also attending the said event.

In a press release, Janella stated that she is honored to be part of the film, achieving recognition and support.

“I'm feeling extremely blessed to be part of this film and to be able to work with great talents. And I think we are dreaming big here. It is really an honor to be the first cross-country production from the Philippines that's going to be part of the Asian Film Awards,” the actress said.

Win, who is also coming to the film festival to receive his Rising Star Award, expressed joy as it also marks another milestone in his career.

“It’s my first international movie, and it's the first time I've mainly spoken English throughout the film,” he remarked.

READ: ‘Under Parallel Skies’ actor Win Metawin to receive Rising Star Award at Asian Film Awards

Director Sigrid also noted how the event will serve as a recognition of the stars and production team’s hard work.

“[It is] a tremendous recognition of the hard work and dedication that our cast and crew have put into creating our film,” the director said.

Pinoy Big Brother alum and executive producer Richard Juan also described being part of this year’s AFA as an acknowledgment of the vision of 28 Squared Studios.

"Being recognized at the Asian Film Awards with 'Under Parallel Skies', our very first film, is incredibly affirming. It feels like we’re receiving a nod from the industry that we're on the correct path with our vision at 28 Squared Studios,” he stated.

The executive producer went on: “This recognition is not merely an honor; it's a significant stamp of approval from a prestigious academy, highlighting our commitment to cross-cultural storytelling and the global showcasing of Asian talent.”

The film, which is scheduled for release exclusively in cinemas in April 2024, follows the story of a Thai bachelor, played by Win, who travels to Hong Kong in search of his missing mother.

He then encounters a Filipino hotelier, played by Janella, who helps him navigate love, heartbreak, and healing in the foreign city amid their differences in culture and identity.

The upcoming film was shot in Hong Kong from June 2023 to July 2023 and features iconic local locations including Kowloon, Tai O, Peng Chau, and Avenue of Stars, making the country a suitable and meaningful locale for the film’s initial exposure.

READ: Janella Salvador, Win Metawin to star in upcoming film ‘Under Parallel Skies’

The film’s teaser received praise from netizens after its release on Thursday, February 1, reaching over 9 million collective views.