'Filipiñana' is the Philippines' official entry to the Oscars - GMA Network

"Filipiñana" is the Philippines' official entry to the 99th Academy Awards.

In their announcement on Sunday, the Film Academy of the Philippines said the selection was made by a committee was composed of industry experts approved by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS).

The short-listed films were evaluated based on artistic merit, cultural relevance, and international campaign potential.

"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," FAP said.

"The Committee also 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."

Directed by Rafael Manuel, "Filipiñana" previously won the special jury award at the Sundance Film Festival in February.

The film follows a golf-tee girl named Isabel at a Philippine country club. She is strangely drawn to Dr. Palanca, the president of the club. Isabel soon discovers the violence in the club and their connection from the past.

"Filipiñana" had its world premiere in 2020 at the Berlinale International Film Festival as part of the shorts competition. It won the Silver Bear Short Film Jury Prize at the festival.

It was also awarded the Grand Prix nod from Encounters Film Festival, Best Short Film at the Festival Du Nouveau Cinema De Montreal, Best British Short Film at the British Independent Film Awards, Best Student Short Film at Molodist Kyiv International Film Festival, and the Best Film in the Asia International Competition and the George Lucas Grand Prix for Best of Show at Short Shorts Film Festival Asia.

It served as the closing film of this year's Cinemalaya Film Festival and was followed by a release in cinemas.