The Filipino short film “Filipiñana” won the World Cinema Dramatic Special Jury Award for Creative Vision at this year’s Sundance Film Festival. Written and directed by Rafael Manuel, the film stars Jorrybell Agoto as Isabel and is a collaboration between the Philippines, Singapore, the United Kingdom, France, and the Netherlands. Screenings at Sundance were also sold out, highlighting the film’s strong international appeal.
The jury praised the film for its visual mastery and sensitivity to its setting. “With stunning visual command and sensitivity to the setting, the filmmaker thoughtfully evokes a world where characters languish. Through its static form, the filmmaker highlights insidious tension between luxury and labor,” the citation read.
Story of Power, Labor, and Hidden Violence
“Filipiñana” follows Isabel, a golf-tee girl working at a Philippine country club. She becomes mysteriously drawn to Dr. Palanca, the president of the club, and gradually uncovers the violence lurking beneath its luxurious surface—along with a connection from their pasts. The film explores themes of class, power, and exploitation, revealing the hidden tensions within a seemingly privileged world.
International Festival Success
The film had its world premiere in 2020 at the Berlinale International Film Festival, competing in the shorts category and winning the Silver Bear Short Film Jury Prize. Since then, it has earned numerous accolades, including the Grand Prix at Encounters Film Festival, Best Short Film at the Festival du Nouveau Cinéma de Montréal, Best British Short Film at the British Independent Film Awards, Best Student Short Film at Molodist Kyiv International Film Festival, and Best Film in the Asia International Competition, along with the George Lucas Grand Prix for Best of Show at Short Shorts Film Festival Asia.
