Filipinos online are celebrating Filipino filmmaker Rafael Manuel’s “Filipiñana” as the film prepares for screenings in New York and Los Angeles, with many viewers praising its cinematography, striking frames, and distinct visual style.
The film is set to screen in New York on August 28 and Los Angeles on September 4, following its international festival run that includes recognition at major film events.
“Filipiñana” follows 17-year-old tee-girl Isabel, who becomes drawn to Dr. Palanca, the president of the country club where she works. As she uncovers a darker reality beneath the club’s polished surface, Isabel realizes that her fascination with Dr. Palanca is connected to a more troubling shared history.
The feature marks the directorial debut of Manuel, a Filipino filmmaker based between London, Amsterdam and Manila. Manuel previously won the Silver Bear Jury Prize at the 70th Berlinale International Film Festival for the short film version of “Filipiñana.”
The film also received the World Cinema Dramatic Special Jury Award for Creative Vision at the Sundance Film Festival 2026 and the New Directors Award at SFFILM 2026.
Online, Filipino viewers expressed excitement over the film’s international recognition, particularly highlighting its cinematography and visual composition.
“HOY ANG GANDA,” one X user wrote while sharing news of the upcoming New York and Los Angeles screenings. “Mabuhay ang Sining ng Pilipinas 😭 2026! What a year!!”
HOY ANG GANDA
Filipiñana by Rafael Manuel will show in New York on Aug 28, and LA on Sept 4!!
Mabuhay ang Sining ng Pilipinas 😭2026! What a year!! pic.twitter.com/DtZqY414g2
— thoughtspresso (@MminaMac) July 16, 2026
Several viewers praised the film’s imagery, with one writing:
“Idk whether I want this to be considered for the Oscars or ‘Sisa’, but the cinematography here is drop dead gorgeous.”
Others compared the film’s aesthetic to internationally known filmmakers while noting its Filipino identity.
“Cinematography chef’s kiss grabe. Wes Andersonesque ang feels pero with Pinoy touch,” one commenter said.
Another X user wrote:
“Parang Wes Anderson + Mike de Leon huhu.”
“Never in my life makakita ng ganito kaganda na camera in PH work,” an X user commented.
“Wes Anderson Filipino/na version,” one said.
“Wes Andersonish ganda ng mga frames,” another wrote.
Some viewers also praised the film’s overall visual atmosphere.
“Kala ko music video lmao the aesthetic is giving,” an X user said.
Others described the film as having similarities to international titles, mentioning films such as “Don’t Worry Darling” and “Triangle of Sadness.”
Beyond its visuals, some Filipino viewers also highlighted the film’s use of the Ilocano language, with some expressing pride over hearing their native language represented onscreen.
“WOWWWWWWW shet proud ilocano here shemzzz,” one viewer wrote.
“But refreshing to hear my native language again,” another said.
“Filipiñana” previously made its world premiere at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival under the World Cinema Dramatic Competition.
Kino Lorber said the film will also be featured at the New York Asian Film Festival (NYAFF) on July 18, where festival programmers described it as “a work of immaculate control and sunlit menace” and “a savage satire of capitalism, building suspense from poisonous details.”
The film is produced by Film4, Pōtocol, and Epicmedia, with executive producers including filmmaker Jia Zhang-ke, who selected Manuel as his protégé at the Rolex Arts Initiative in 2022.
As the film continues its international journey, Filipino viewers online have expressed hope that “Filipiñana” reaches a wider audience, with some calling for a major global distributor to pick up the film.
“Sana idistribute ito ng A24 distribution,” one commenter wrote.