An eerily unsuspecting country club driven by class disparities; a masterclass in animation, history, and social justice; and a slice-of-life workplace drama where hope outweighs looming dread. Three unique Filipino stories with one coveted goal—the 2027 Academy Awards.
Photo: Kino Lorber, GMA Pictures, 901 Studios
Though the country’s inaugural Cinema Day festivities just ended (on multiple celebratory notes, at that), our sheer pride in Filipinos’ storytelling prowess lives on, as we now have not one, not two, but three outstanding films vying to raise our flag at next year’s Oscars:
- Rafael Manuel’s Filipiñana is our entry to the Best International Feature Film distinction,
- Carl Joseph Papa’s 58th is gunning for a Best Documentary Feature nomination, and
- Arvin Belarmino and Kyla Danelle Romero’s Agapito is our bet for Best Live Action Short Film.
As we campaign for each carefully selected title in hopes of an Oscar nod, it’s also high time we appreciate how they amplify the nation’s voices, identities, and calls for change in their own right. Our local media landscape is going above and beyond to make a difference. And with movies like these at the movement’s helm, it won’t be long before the creative platforms, projects, and practices we champion triumph over whatever hindrances come their way.
No matter how the Academy recognizes these labors of love, we’re already beaming with pride over how far they’ve come. This is only the beginning of a promising future for trailblazing storytellers and their lifelong passions, and we can’t wait to see how it’ll pan out over time.
For now, here’s why you should join the conversation and watch our eye-opening entries to the 2027 Oscars when you have the chance:
Filipiñana
Many cinephiles and casual viewers alike saw something special in Filipiñana the moment they learned of its acclaim at this year’s Sundance Film Festival. Sure enough, every round of applause and standing ovation it received was a harbinger of unparalleled success that has justified a much more powerful message than its cinematic finesse.
In Rafael Manuel’s directorial debut, Isabel (Jorrybell Agoto) strives to find her footing as a newly hired tee girl at a country club that’s a little too polished for her liking. What ensues is a captivating slow burn that fluctuates between perspectives and unravels like a historical art exhibit, with key moments that are equal parts breathtaking, eye-opening, and especially disturbing.
Through chance encounters and casual conversations, Filipiñana challenges us to confront privilege and authority beyond what we know at face value. It holds a mirror to the well-oiled machines that peddle corruption, proving that some of the most vicious societal shifts happen right under our noses.
58th
How do we rise above violence and injustice when there seems to be no end to them in sight? The answers we seek remain uncertain, more so bleak, but 58th wants nothing more than to keep the fire in our hearts burning in the name of freedom and power to the people.
Over the years, animation has evolved into a visionary avenue that reflects society and its pressing realities in their most truthful forms. 58th is no exception, with writer-director Carl Joseph Papa taking a critical, no-holds-barred approach to the longstanding grief surrounding the Maguindanao Massacre of 2009.
View this post on Instagram
Glaiza de Castro and Ricky Davao lead this gripping biographical drama, which uses rotoscope animation to share the heartbreaking story of Bebot Momay, who was deemed the 58th victim of the tragedy. You can watch it exclusively at Shangri-La Plaza’s Red Carpet Cinemas from September 16 to 22, 2026.
Agapito
Agapito has been on an unstoppable run since it premiered at last year’s Cannes Film Festival. Critics have lauded the film at every stage it has graced, rightfully allowing Filipinos worldwide to uplift the minds and talents behind it.
The 15-minute short, starring Nour Hooshmand and André Miguel, follows a close-knit bunch of pinsetters who seek glimmers of hope in a bowling alley that’s on its last legs. A wave of anticipation hits them as they gear up for a mysterious event at the place they’ve learned to call home.
After its premiere at Cannes, Agapito made a lasting impression at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), earning an honorable mention for Best International Short Film.
ALSO READ: Historical Film “Quezon” Bags Multiple Awards at the 9th EDDYs
What are your favorite Filipino movies and short films of all time? Sound off and share your picks with us in the comments below!
Do you have a story for the WhenInManila.com Team? Email us at wheninmanila@gmail.com or send us a direct message on WhenInManila.com’s Facebook Page. Interact with the team, join the WhenInManila.com community at WIM Squad, and join our Viber group to stay updated on the latest from the Philippines and beyond!
