GORGY RULA
Ang Filipiñana ang napili ng selection committee ng Film Academy of the Philippines (FAP) para ipanlaban sa kategoryang Best International Feature Film ng 99th Academy Awards o Oscars.
Ini-announce ito ni FAP Director General Paolo Villaluna noong Setyembre 13, 2026, Linggo, sa SMX Convention Centre Manila, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City.
Walong pelikula ang in-evaluate ng selection committee batay sa artistic merit, cultural relevance, at international campaign potential.
Ang pito pa ay 78th, Silenced Nights, Manila’s Finest, Sisa, I’mPerfect, Quezon, at All The Things I Leave You (Patawid).
WHY Filipiñana WAS CHOSEN AS PHILIPPINE ENTRY TO OSCARS 2027
In selecting Filipiñana, the committee considered the integrity of the film, the producers’commitment and capacity to fulfill the requirements of the Oscars campaign, and the film’s ability to embody the pride of Philippine cinema.
The committee recognized the film’s strong visual style but more importantly its incisive examination of class, power, labor, and social realities, as well as its growing international profile.
Pahayag ni FAP DG Paolo Villaluna: “The film offers a visually distinct and controversial portrait of the Filipino experience: through the eyes of a young Filipina at an elite country club, the film exposes the structural violence, class disparity, and post-colonial inequities that persist even now beneath a meticulously manicured surface of privilege.
“Its growing international critical recognition affirms both its artistic merit and its capacity to carry a Filipino story rooted in universal questions of power, identity, and survival to a global audience.
“The Film Academy will work closely with the Filipiñana team throughout the Oscars campaign, providing the support they need and make the most of this opportunity for Philippine cinema.”
Ang Filipiñana ay isinulat, idinirek at in-edit ni Rafael Manuel, na isa rin sa producers. Tampok dito sina Jorrybell Agoto, Carmen Castellanos, Teroy Guzman, Carlitos Siguion-Reyna, Isabel Sicat, at Nour Houshmand.
Ang executive producers ay sina Jia Zhangke, Farhana Bhula, Anthony C. Isais, Grace Mariel M. Isais, Maria Sophia Atayde-Marudo, Jossette C. Atayde, Sebastian Raeuber, at Francine Raeuber.
Maliban kay Direk Rafael, producers ng Filipiñana sina Jeremy Chua, Alex Polunin, Bianca Balbuena, Bradley Liew, Nadia Turincev, at Omar El Kadi.
Closing film ito ng Cinemalaya 22: Reel Reflections.
Ipinalabas ito sa local cinemas umpisa Agosto 26, 2026.
“By representing the Philippines in the Oscars, hopefully Filipiñana also represents how healthier production processes are a viable economic and artistic route for making a film that can compete at the highest levels,” sabi ni Direk Rafael Manuel.
Read: Filipino-language film First Light is Australia’s Oscars entry
INTERNATIONAL ACCLAIM FOR Filipiñana
Filipiñana made its world premiere in the World Cinema Dramatic Competition of the 2026 Sundance Film Festival, where it received the World Cinema Dramatic Special Jury Award for Creative Vision.
The film subsequently had its European premiere in the Perspectives section of the 76th Berlin International Film Festival.
It has also screened at the San Francisco International Film Festival, where it received the New Directors Award, and at the Independent Film Festival of Boston, where it won the Grand Jury Prize for Best Narrative Feature.
It was also awarded the Luna de València for Best Feature Film at Cinema Jove International Film Festival. Its international distribution has continued to expand.
Kino Lorber acquired North American distribution rights following its Sundance recognition, while BFI Distribution acquired the film for theatrical release in the United Kingdom and Ireland.
Bahagi ng FB post ng producer at Epicmedia Productions Inc. COO Bianca Balbuena: “From Sundance & Berlinale, we’ve been working hard and we are lucky to be supported by two Oscar winners: UK studio Film4 (Zone of Interest, Poor Things, Room, Slumdog Millionaire) & Kino Lorber (Mr Nobody Against Putin).
Still a long arduous journey to the shortlist but here’s to giving this campaign our all!
“Together with our producers Film4, Epicmedia Productions, P?tocol, Ossian International, Easy Riders Films, Idle Eye, Nathan Studios Inc., Happy Infinite Productions Inc., we thank the Film Academy of the Philippines and the selection jury for this opportunity to represent the country.
“To all the staff, crew, cast and each and everyone who helped make this film happen and grow to what it is now, deepest sincerest thanks.
“To Ram Mendoza, thank you for being such a great and sweet captain. It takes a village. And we are such a huge village of amazing people.
“Literally cried after hearing the news. Maybe because of exhaustion- work, family, burn out, other events. But also mostly because of joy and hope.
“Special shoutout to textmate Nicholas Kemp for guiding us through it all! More work for us in the coming weeks and months. Let’s goooooo!!!”
Read: 8 Pinoy films vie to represent PH at 2027 Oscars
NOEL FERRER
Dalawa pang pelikula ang suportado ng FAP ang Oscars campaign — ang 58th na eligible sa kategoryang best documentary, at ang Agapito na eligible sa kategoryang best live action short film.
Sabi ni FAP DG Paolo Villaluna: “The Oscars should see more of Philippine cinema, and Pinoy Oscars Pursuit is our effort to make that happen.
“We are proud to support 58th and Agapito as they bring their stories, their craft, and their distinct Filipino voices to the Academy.”
58TH
Ang 58th ay isang animated documentary na idinirek ni Carl Joseph Papa.
Tampok dito sina Glaiza de Castro, Ricky Davao, Mikoy Morales, Biboy Ramirez, Marco Masa, at Zyren de la Cruz.
Executive producer si Annette Gozon-Valdes. Creative producer si Johnson Tam. Producer si Nessa Valdellon.
Facebook post ni Miss Nessa: “A MOMENT FOR 58TH AND GMA PUBLIC AFFAIRS...
“The Film Academy announcement was made in a small meeting room at the Manila International Book Fair. But for team 58th, it was a huge moment.
“For the very first time, a GMA Public Affairs documentary will have the support of the Film Academy of the Philippines for an Oscar bid.
“This year, beyond the country’s official entry for Best International Feature Film, which deservedly went to Filipiñana... the Academy unexpectedly announced early support for a Short Film, Agapito, and a Documentary, our very own 58th. (It's a very strong line-up of films. Go Philippines!)
“58th was originally planned as a television special. But its journey has taken it to festivals in Rotterdam, Annecy, Auckland, Colombia and Hollywood, with Busan coming next.
“We never imagined any of these when we started. We just felt strongly that we had to tell this story. Yet here we are now, talking about an Oscar campaign.
“58th has come this far, I feel, because the 58 are asking to be remembered. Join us in remembering. We screen in Shangri-la Cinema this coming week from September 16 to 22.”
Read: Golden Screen Awards make grand return with 21 Dekada Awardees
AGAPITO
Ang short film na Agapito ay idinirek nina Arvin Belarmino at Kyla Danelle Romero.
Nasa cast nito sina Nour Hooshmand, Andre Miguel, Anton Nolasco, Jeremy Mayores, Veronica Reyes, Joel Garcia, at Bullet Dumas.
Nag-premiere ito sa Short Film Competition ng 2025 Cannes Film Festival.
It later screened at the Toronto International Film Festival, where it received an Honourable Mention from the Short Cuts jury.
The film follows Mira, a senior pin setter at a fading duckpin bowling alley, and her monthly visits with her brother Junior.
Facebook post ni Direk Kyla Danelle Romero: “This feels like a wild, wild dream...
“Agapito is a special, personal project to Arvin and I. A film so humble yet profound, made with collaborators-turned-friends.
“Now, it's a Filipino short film entry vying for the Oscars.
“Thank you to the friends who made this film happen. Thank you to the Lord most high.
“Long live, Philippine Cinema!”
Read: Is National Artist Ricky Lee open to writing vertical dramas?
JERRY OLEA
Sa walong pinagpilian ng FAP para ipanlaban ng bansa sa best international feature film, co-producers ang mag-inang Ria Atayde at Sylvia Sanchez ng Nathan Studios sa Filipiñana at I’mPerfect.
Facebook post ng Nathan Studios: “FILIPIÑANA is the Philippines’ Official Entry to the 99th Academy Awards for Best International Feature Film.
“Thank you for being part of this historic milestone!”
NOOR HOOSHMAND'S DOUBLE VICTORY
Bukod na pinagpala si Nour Hooshmand.
Suporta siya kay Jorrybell Agoto sa Filipiñana, at bida sa short film na Agapito. Ano ang pakiramdam niya?
“Just happy to be here!” bulalas ni Nour.
“Sobrang honored and grateful to be able to represent Philippines and sana lang po, paghuhusayan. Iyun po, maraming salamat po.”
Take note, tatlong pelikula na co-produced ng Nathan Studios ang lalahok sa 31st Busan International Film Festival sa Oktubre 6-15, 2026 sa South Korea.
Ang mga ito ay Filipiñana ni Rafael Manuel, Nagi Notes ni Fukada Koji, at ang unang full-length film ni Arvin Belarmino na Ria.
“These three Nathan Studios co-produced films bring together distinct voices and stories from across Asia, continuing our commitment to supporting bold, meaningful cinema on the international stage,” bahagi ng FB post ng Nathan Studios noong Setyembre 5.
Hindi pupunta si Jorrybell sa Busan para makapagpahinga muna, pero pupunta siya sa opening ceremony ng 39th Tokyo International Film Festival sa Japan.
Si Nour ang magbu-Busan para sa Filipiñana, ganoon din sa Ria na siya ang title role.
Matagal nang magkakilala sina Nour at Jorrybell, noon pang Kamuning days na nag-undergo sila ng Meisner acting workshop sa ilalim ni Angeli Bayani.
Pangarap nila noong makasama sa mga pelikulang magpapakitang-gilas sa ibang bansa, at natupad na iyon.
Sa walong pinagpilian ng FAP para panlaban natin sa best international feature ng Oscars, tatlo roon ay kasama si Jorrybell — Filipiñana, Sisa, at isa pa.
Masayang-masaya siyempre si Jorrybell sa pagkapili ng FAP sa Filipiñana kung saan siya ang bida.
“Ako po talaga, like sobrang honored! I mean, grabe!” bulalas ng Ilokanang si Jorrybell.
“Kasi never ko naman pong in-expect. I mean, like from Sarrat, na Ilocos Norte. Tapos biglang, o… Oscars?!
“So, parang yung realidad pa nga lang ng isang batang nangangarap maging artista. Tapos narating niya.
“Tapos biglang Oscars pa. Sobrang grabe po siya for me. Kaya parang kahit ano man ang mangyari, win na po siya for me.
“Parang tap po siya sa shoulder ko, na I’m in the right path.”
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