Filipiñana is a stunning debut feature from Filipino writer/director Rafael Manuel that artfully explores economic inequalities in his homeland.
What is ‘Filipiñana’ about?
Told in a succinct 1 hour 40 minutes, Filipiñana follows 17-year-old Isabel (Jorrybell Agoto).
Isabel, hailing from rural northern Philippines, is new to the job of tee-girl at an exclusive country club/golf resort on the outskirts of Manila.
Exploring her pristine-on-the-outside surroundings, Isabel finds a murkier, darker truth beneath the surface, which comes to a head during her search for the club’s director, Dr Palanca – a journey that explores painful roots from her past.
Meanwhile, Carmen Castellanos’ Clara is toying with the idea of leaving her life in New York to return permanently to Manila and work for her Uncle’s company.
Manuel first penned the screenplay during his stint at the London Film School, before adapting it into a short film.
The short premiered at the 2020 Berlin International Film Festival, winning the Silver Bear for Best Short Film and was nominated for a BIFA.
Adapting the story into his first feature, Manuel has enjoyed great success with Filipiñana.
Filipiñana premiered in competition at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival, winning the World Cinema Dramatic Special Jury Award for Creative Vision, and has been selected by the Philippines for best international feature at the 99th Academy Awards.
A class satire with tranquil beauty
Filipiñana opens on a minibus transporting Chinese tourists through the busy streets of Manila towards the Golf resort.
In just a few minutes, we see the hustle, bustle and strife experienced by the wider public.
From there we quickly snap to the resort, which the rest of the film calls home.
Its stark contrast to the film’s opening is arresting.
A serene soundscape, intercut by striking golf balls, chirping insects, sprinklers, brooms and a light breeze.
It couldn’t be further from the streets outside, and Manuel is a deft hand at using this natural soundscape.
At times he uses it to create a sense of whimsy and light-heartedness, matching the natural sounds of the morning setup at the golf resort with an upbeat soundtrack.
Other times, the natural soundscape is honed in on intently to create unease and discomfort.
The stillness of the characters, the considered, deliberately ponderous way they speak and interact, buys into this quietly rising tension that this golf resort hides the darker nature of a brutal class divide.
This is amplified by the exquisite pastel colour palette seen in the costume and production design, and the stunning cinematography presented through a 4:3 aspect ratio.
Watching Filipiñana is like contemplating a beautiful art piece in a gallery, brought to life in moving frames.
Framing is another elite tool handled so deftly by this first-time director, for example, when we watch Isabel and the other tee-girls through the A-frame made by the men swinging their clubs at the driving range.
It so perfectly sets up a patriarchal dominance, and Manuel continues to employ brilliant tricks like this to show, not tell.
Final thoughts
You can go into this film with little to no knowledge of the context behind it, but Manuel’s guidance through 1hr 40 minutes will tell you everything you need to know.
It truly is an impactful film that will stay with you long after the credits roll.
Rating: 8/10
When can I see ‘Filipiñana’?
Filipiñana has its UK premiere at the BFI London Film Festival on 17 October and is released in cinemas in the UK and Ireland on 20 November 2026.
Find a screening as soon as you can!
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