Rafael Manuel’s “Filipiñana” has been selected as the official Philippine entry to the 99th Academy Awards, the Film Academy of the Philippines (FAP) announced.
The selection was made by a committee, composed of Filipino film industry experts approved by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) and convened by FAP.
In selecting “Filipiñana,” the committee considered the film’s integrity, the producers’ commitment and capacity to fulfill the requirements of an Oscars campaign, and its ability to embody the pride of Philippine cinema.
The film was also recognized for its “strong visual style,” its “incisive examination of class, power, labor, and social realities”, as well as its “growing international profile”.
Based on Manuel’s award-winning short film of the same name, “Filipiñana” stars Jorrybel Agoto as Isabel, a new tee girl at a country club owned by Terry Guzman’s Dr. Palanca, who becomes strangely drawn to her.
Aside from “Filipiñana,” the FAP is extending campaign support to Carl Joseph Papa’s “58th” and Arvin Belarmino and Kyla Danelle Romero’s “Agapito” as they seek consideration in their respective Oscar categories.
“58th” will be submitted for consideration in the Best Documentary Feature Film category, while “Agapito” will be supported for the Best Live Action Short Film category.
The FAP will also provide government support to “Filipiñana” for its “For Your Consideration” campaign across various industry-led honors, including other categories it may vie for, such as Cinematography and Production Design.
Other films shortlisted by the FAP were “58th,” “All the Things I Leave You (Patawid),” “I’mPerfect,” “Manila’s Finest,” “Quezon,” “Silenced Nights,” and “Sisa.”
While “Filipiñana” will represent the Philippines in the International Feature Film race, it has not yet been nominated for an Oscar. No Philippine film has previously been nominated or shortlisted in the category.
Past Philippine submissions include “Decade ’70,” “Anak,” “Heneral Luna,” “Ang Pagdadalaga ni Maximo Oliveros,” “Ang Babae sa Septic Tank,” “Birdshot,” “On the Job: The Missing 8,” and last year’s “Magellan,” which came closest to advancing to the shortlist.
Meanwhile, Filipino talent is also represented through other countries’ Oscar submissions, with Australia choosing “First Light,” starring Filipina actress Ruby Ruiz, as its entry.
The shortlist for Best International Feature Film is reportedly scheduled to be announced on December 15, while the final Oscar nominees are expected to be revealed on January 21, 2027. The 99th Academy Awards will take place on March 14, 2027.
