Director Rafael Manuel’s debut feature, “Filipiñana,” has been officially designated to represent the Philippines at the 2027 Academy Awards, targeting a spot in the Best International Feature Film category.
The decision was finalized on September 13 by the National Selection Committee of the Film Academy of the Philippines (FAP).
“Filipiñana” secured the nomination after prevailing over a seven-film shortlist, which included titles such as “58th,” “All the Things I Leave You (Patawid),” “I’mPerfect,” “Manila’s Finest,” “Quezon,” “Silenced Nights,” and “Sisa.”
Expanded from Manuel’s award-winning short film of the same title, the narrative centers on Isabel, played by Jorrybel Agoto, a newly hired tee girl navigating the daily operations of an exclusive golf club.
Set largely across a single day, the film investigates themes of class divides, systemic labor, and power dynamics through the interactions between the club’s staff and its wealthy patrons.
While the selection marks the beginning of the film’s campaign, it does not guarantee placement on the Academy’s official shortlist or a final nomination spot. The entry must first progress through preliminary screening rounds conducted by the Academy’s international feature committee.
To date, no submission from the Philippines has successfully attained a final Oscar nomination in the International Feature Film category.
The country’s previous submission, “Magellan,” was widely regarded as a competitive contender for the initial shortlist, positioning “Filipiñana” as the latest effort to secure the nation’s inaugural nomination.