Every year we cross our fingers and root for our own. This year, the Philippines is sending a dark comedy about a golf and country club, and the Academy says the country is behind it.
Image: Film Academy of the PhilippinesWhat is Filipiñana about?
The film follows Isabel, a new employee at an upscale country club who finds an unexpected connection with Dr. Palanca, according to Philstar. The story takes place over a single day at the club, and includes a subplot about a club member named Renato trying to convince his niece Clara to stay in the Philippines for the family business. Reports describe it as a black comedy and a satire about class differences. It is based on Rafael's own award-winning short film with the same title.
Has Filipiñana won awards before?
Yes. Based on reports, the film premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in January, where it won the World Cinema Dramatic Special Jury Award for Creative Vision. The Film Academy said it will support the film in several Oscars categories during promotion, including Cinematography and Production Design.
What other films did the Academy back?
Aside from Filipiñana, two more Filipino films got the Academy's support for their own categories:
- Agapito, a live-action short film by Arvin Belarmino and Kyla Danelle Romero
- 58th, a documentary feature directed by Carl Joseph Papa
Image: Film Academy of the PhilippinesHas the Philippines ever been nominated in this category?
Not yet. No Philippine film has been nominated or even shortlisted for Best International Feature Film. Past Philippine submissions include Heneral Luna, Birdshot and last year's Magellan. According to reports on the Academy calendar, the shortlist comes out on December 15, 2026, nominations on January 21, 2027, and the ceremony is on March 14, 2027 in Los Angeles.
Why this matters to all of us
Nominations are hard to get, but the fun part is that the whole country gets to root together. It is the same feeling when a Filipino athlete or singer makes it abroad: you may not know them personally, and you still say "kababayan ko yan." Awards season also gives smaller local films a bigger stage, so even if the Oscars do not call, more people may end up watching Filipiñana.
Have you seen the short version of Filipiñana, or are you planning to watch the full film? Tell us in the comments.
Quick answers
What is the Philippines' official entry to the 2027 Oscars?
Filipiñana, directed by Rafael Manuel, was chosen by the Film Academy of the Philippines for Best International Feature Film.
Which other Philippine films did the Film Academy support for the Oscars?
The documentary 58th by Carl Joseph Papa and the live-action short film Agapito by Arvin Belarmino and Kyla Danelle Romero.
Has a Philippine film ever been nominated for Best International Feature Film?
No. According to Philstar, no Philippine film has been nominated or shortlisted in the category so far.
Updated September 19, 2026. Sources and photo credits: Facebook: Film Academy of the Philippines | Fashion Pulis | Philstar | Manila Bulletin | Vogue Philippines. All photos belong to their respective owners.