‘Hello, Love, Again’ shines at the Asian World Film Festival

By Sheryl Garcia-Reyes

The cast of “Hello, Love, Again,” led by Kathryn Bernardo and Alden Richards, took center stage at the Asian World Film Festival (AWFF) in Los Angeles, where the film was honored as the festival’s closing feature.

This sequel to the 2019 global sensation “Hello, Love, Goodbye” continues to break records and set new benchmarks for Filipino cinema on the world stage.

Directed by Cathy Garcia-Sampana, the movie picks up five years after Joy and Ethan’s story left audiences in tears in Hong Kong. This time, the narrative unfolds across Canada, exploring themes of love, self-discovery, and reconciliation. The emotional depth and relatability of the story have resonated with Filipino audiences worldwide, propelling the film to unprecedented success.

The film’s debut at AWFF is a historic achievement, spotlighting Filipino cinema alongside acclaimed films from across Asia. Bernardo and Richards joined filmmakers and industry leaders to celebrate the evolving global appeal of Asian storytelling. The duo’s on-screen chemistry and off-screen charisma have become a focal point for international audiences, solidifying their status as two of the Philippines’ most bankable stars.

“We’re just very happy and grateful for everything. This goes to show what Filipinos can do and what we can offer to the world in terms of filmmaking. The success of ‘Hello, Love, Again’ on the global stage inspires us even more to create films,” Richards said.

The film has been a box office juggernaut, smashing records both at home and abroad. In the Philippines, it now holds the record for the highest-grossing Filipino film of all time, earning an impressive P930 million within just 10 days of its release. Internationally, it became the highest-grossing Filipino movie in North America during its opening weekend, earning $2.4 million (₱141 million) across 248 theaters. With a global rollout that includes over 1,100 cinemas across the Middle East, Asia-Pacific, and North America, “Hello, Love, Again” is poised to break even more box office records.

Fans have embraced the movie as more than just a sequel; it is a heartfelt continuation of a story that captures the complexities of modern relationships and the sacrifices made in pursuit of dreams. The emotional resonance of the film has been enhanced by its lush cinematography and poignant soundtrack, elements that have sparked discussions on social media and attracted packed audiences to theaters.

For Kathryn Bernardo, her participation in the AWFF marks a personal milestone, as she received the Snow Leopard Rising Star Award—her first award from a Hollywood-based film festival.

“I started at the age of 6, and over the years, I’ve been fortunate to bring a variety of characters to life. Each one has contributed something new, not just as an actor but as a person,” Bernardo said in her acceptance speech. “After 22 years, I am still here pursuing my first love and my passion, which is acting. I know it’s a tough job, but moments like tonight make it all worthwhile. It is such an honor to be here representing my fellow Filipinos and my home network, ABS-CBN.”

The festival spotlight underscores the growing demand for diverse narratives that transcend cultural boundaries. As “Hello, Love, Again” continues to dominate theaters worldwide, it has solidified its place as a cultural phenomenon and a milestone achievement in the journey of Filipino films breaking into the mainstream global market.

Sheryl Garcia-Reyes is a freelance creative who recently moved from New York City to Los Angeles. As a writer passionate about pop culture and lifestyle trends, she focuses on amplifying Asian voices, particularly Filipinos who are making an impact on the global stage. When she’s not working on deadlines, Sheryl enjoys exploring the city’s best Lumpia and often daydreams about her next trip to Southeast Asia.