Kino Lorber has released the official trailer for “Filipiñana,” an indie thriller and dark satire directed by Rafael Manuel in his feature debut. The film premiered at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival earlier this year, where it won recognition, and it is now being positioned for broader release. Set outside Manila, the story follows Isabel, a teenager who works at an elite golf country club and becomes drawn to Dr. Palanca. As Isabel learns more about what is hidden behind the club’s polished exterior, the film shifts toward sinister violence and suggests a disturbing connection to the past. Multiple sources describe the film as a “scathing” or “extra dark” portrayal of class disparities and post-colonial power dynamics, using a quiet but unsettling tone. “Filipiñana” is executive produced by filmmaker Jia Zhangke and includes performances by Jorrybell Agoto as Isabel, Carmen Castellanos, Teroy Guzman as Dr. Palanca, Carlitos Siguion-Reyna, Isabel Sicat, and Nour Houshmand. Both outlets highlight the film’s unsettling social commentary and thriller elements centered on the country club setting.
‘Filipiñana’ Trailer Released for Rafael Manuel’s Sundance-Winning Philippine Country Club Thriller
Kino Lorber has released the official trailer for “Filipiñana,” an indie thriller and dark satire directed by Rafael Manuel in his feature debut. The film premiered at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival...
- “Filipiñana” is a Philippine-set indie thriller and dark satire directed by Rafael Manuel, his feature debut.
- The film premiered at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival and is described by Sundance as depicting class disparities and post-colonial power structures.
- Kino Lorber released the official trailer for the film.
- The plot centers on Isabel’s work at an elite golf country club outside Manila and the darker discoveries around Dr. Palanca and hidden violence.
- Jia Zhangke serves as executive producer; the cast includes Jorrybell Agoto, Teroy Guzman, and others listed by the outlets.
Jia Zhangke executive-produced first-time feature filmmaker Rafael Manuel's scathing satire of upper-crust Manilans.
4 hours ago"Some of those balls are worth more than what we make in a day." Kino Lorber has revealed the official trailer for Filipiñana, an indie film from Filipino filmmaker Rafael Manuel making his feature directorial debut. This first premiered at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival earlier this year, as a carefully constructed, extra dark satire about the elite & wealthy being rotten. Teen Isabel's attraction to Dr. Palanca at her golf club job outside of Manila in the Philippines turns dark as she uncovers violence beneath the club's facade, and discovers its disturbing connection from the past. Exec produced by Chinese filmmaker Jia Zhangke, this Sundance award-winning debut announces writer / director Rafael Manuel as a major new voice in international cinema. Filipiñana stars Jorrybell Agoto as Isabel, Carmen Castellanos, Teroy Guzman as Dr. Palanca, Carlitos Siguion-Reyna, Isabel Sicat, and Nour Houshmand. Sundance adds that the film paints "a scathing portrait of class disparities and post-colonial power structures in ways that are both quiet & unsettling." Yep this sounds good - and it looks really good, too, with some slick cinematography to accent all the horrible things going on within. This looks like it's a must watch for cinema geeks of all kinds. Here's the official US trailer (+ poster) for Rafael Manuel's film Filipiñana, direct from KL's YouTube: Isabel, […]
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