Philippines will be represented in the Oscars by two movies

Two Filipino films are Oscar-bound

Business World
September 15, 2026 

IF THINGS go right, the Philippines will be represented in the Oscars by two movies, one as the country’s official entry to the Best International Feature Film category at the 99th Academy Awards, the other as Australia’s official entry. Philippine market insights

The Film Academy of the Philippines (FAP) has announced that Rafael Manuel’s Filipiñana has been selected as the Philippines’ official entry.

According to an FAP statement, “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. 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.”

The committee, composed of Filipino film industry experts approved by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and convened by the Film Academy of the Philippines, considered eight films and evaluated them based on artistic merit, cultural relevance, and international campaign potential, choosing Filipiñana to go to the Oscars.

“The film offers a visually distinct and controversial portrait of the Filipino experience: through the eyes of a young Filipina at an elite country club, the film exposes the structural violence, class disparity, and post-colonial inequities that persist even now beneath a meticulously manicured surface of privilege. Its growing international critical recognition affirms both its artistic merit and its capacity to carry a Filipino story rooted in universal questions of power, identity, and survival to a global audience. The Film Academy will work closely with the Filipiñana team throughout the Oscars campaign, providing the support they need and make the most of this opportunity for Philippine cinema,” FAP Director-General Paolo Villaluna was quoted as saying.

Filipiñana follows a 17-year-old girl from rural Ilocos who works as a “tee girl,” lining up golf balls for the club’s wealthy members. Then she discovers that her seemingly innocent fascination with the club’s president is connected to a darker shared history.

The film stars Jorrybell Agoto, Carmen Castellanos, Teroy Guzman, Carlitos Siguion-Reyna, Isabel Sicat, and Nour Houshmand.

Filipiñana made its world premiere in the World Cinema Dramatic Competition of the 2026 Sundance Film Festival, where it received the World Cinema Dramatic Special Jury Award for Creative Vision. It was also shown at the Berlin International Film Festival, the San Francisco International Film Festival, at the Independent Film Festival of Boston, and at the Cinema Jove International Film Festival.

AUSTRALIA’S BET

Meanwhile, Australia selected First Light, the feature debut of Filipino-Australian filmmaker James J. Robinson.

First Light has a predominantly Filipino cast and uses mostly Tagalog to tell its story. It stars Ruby Ruiz, Maricel Soriano, Rez Cortez, and National Artist for Film Kidlat Tahimik.

The film revolves around Sister Yolanda, an aging nun whose faith is challenged following an incident at a remote convent in the Philippines. Philippinemarket insights

First Light has made the rounds of international festivals including the Melbourne International Film Festival, the Marrakech International Film Festival, the International Film Festival Rotterdam, the Shanghai International Film Festival, the Glasgow Film Festival, and the New Zealand International Film Festival.

The film received funding from Screen Australia in association with the Melbourne International Film Festival Premiere Fund, and the FDCP and VicScreen. It is produced by Majella Productions and Clou Media Productions.

The 99th Academy Awards will be held on March 14, 2027, in Los Angeles. — AAH

Dennis Trillo is Best Actor in Asian Academy Awards

 Dennis Trillo named Asia's best actor at Asian Academy Creative Awards 2025

GMA Integrated News
05 Dec 2025

Dennis Trillo received a major recognition at the Asian Academy Creative Awards — he was named Asia’s Best Actor in a Leading Role for his portrayal of Domingo Zamora in “Green Bones!”

The Filipino actor beat out several other top artists, including Jacob Elordi for “The Narrow Road to the Deep Road” and Park Bo Gum for “When Life Gives You Tangerines.”

“PANALO ang Pilipinas! Panalo ang PILIPINO,” Dennis said on Instagram.

“Truly grateful for this,” he said and tagged the award-giving body. “Thank you very much.”

GMA Network Vice President for Musical, Variety, Specials, and Alternative Productions for Entertainment Group and Philippine Ambassador for the Asian Academy of Creative Arts Gigi Santiago-Lara accepted the award on behalf of Dennis and “Green Bones” at the ceremony in Singapore.

“This is such a surprise and we are so honored to receive this in behalf of Mr. Dennis Trillo, ‘Green Bones,’ the producers, Nessa Valdellon, the writers Mr. Ricky Lee and Anj Atienza,” she said in her acceptance speech.

“’Green Bones’ did very well in the Philippines and we are so honored to receive this award. Thank you to the academy.”

"Green Bones" is the official entry of GMA Pictures to the Metro Manila Film Festival 2024, where it won several awards including Best Actor for Dennis, Best Supporting Actor for Ruru Madrid, and Best Picture.

The film follows Xavier Gonzaga (Ruru), a young policeman determined to keep notorious criminal Domingo Zamora (Dennis) behind bars.

Dennis also won a Gawad Urian award in October for the role.

“Green Bones” is streaming on Netflix.

Docu film on West Philippine Sea wins at NZ film fest

West Philippine Sea documentary 'Food Delivery' wins award at New Zealand film festival

John Patrick Magno Ranara
Philstar Global
05 July 2025

A documentary exploring the West Philippine Sea dispute between the Philippines and China has been recognized at New Zealand's Doc Edge Festival.

Production company Voyage Studios announced that their film, Food Delivery: Fresh from the West Philippine Sea, won the Tides of Change Award at the country's international documentary film festival.

"This is for every Filipino defending the West Philippine Sea. In the face of silence and fear, we carry the truth, and now the world hears us," the studio stated.

"The journey has just begun. May more people see our fight," they added. 

The Tides of Change category recognizes films that have stories that "flow through oceans, rivers, and pools—not as scenery, but as lifeblood—shaping identity, struggle, and transformation in currents both tender and turbulent."

Since Doc Edge is an Academy Awards-qualifying festival, the film will receive consideration for an Oscar in 2025.

'It belongs to the Filipino people'

Director Baby Ruth Villarama articulates the significance of the West Philippine Sea, emphasizing its deep connection to the Filipino people.

"Winning the Tides of Change Award means a lot, not just for our team but for the Filipino communities who live these stories every day," she told PhilSTAR L!fe. "The film’s core message is simple: there is no need to dispute what is already true. The West Philippine Sea exists. It belongs to the Filipino people. It is part of our daily life. It’s where our people provide for us, dream, and survive. It’s not just a political line. It’s personal."

While making the film, Villarama learned that "truth doesn’t need to shout."

"When you stay with the human stories, when you honor lived experiences, the truth speaks for itself," she said.

"We don’t have to add fire to fire. We just have to tell the story as it is with sincerity. Sometimes that’s more powerful than any political narrative because it disarms without hostility. It invites conversation instead of division. And maybe that’s the quiet power of Filipino storytelling: we are not here to conquer or tear anyone down. We are here to remember who we truly are, and what we’re capable of when we choose to stand together," she continued.

Attempts to suppress the film

Food Delivery centers on the "rising tensions in the West Philippine Sea, Filipino fishermen, Coast Guard, and Navy personnel risk everything to defend their waters and way of life."

It puts audiences into the shoes of Arnel Satam, a fisherman who is being pursued by the China Coast Guard near Scarborough Shoal.

"With rare access to frontline officers, it captures their quiet heroism, personal sacrifice, and unwavering duty. At its heart is a remarkable alliance: fishermen and Coast Guard risking their lives together to deliver food and aid. Visually stunning and deeply moving, this is a story of resilience, unity, and the fight for freedom," Doc Edge described on its website.

They dubbed the documentary a "banned film that must be seen."

This likely stems from its controversial withdrawal from Puregold's CinePanalo Film Festival in Quezon City, where it was originally set to premiere last March but was pulled due to "external factors."

In a joint statement, festival director Chris Cahilig and Villarama said, "While the decision was made jointly by the festival organizers and film creators, it is clear that external factors played a role in this outcome. We appreciate the continued support from those who believe in the film’s importance and will announce alternative screenings soon."

Apart from this, the Chinese Consulate has also requested that Doc Edge refrain from showing Food Delivery in all future screenings if they want to act in the "interest of [the] public and China-New Zealand relations," according to a report from 1News.

"The documentary... is rife with disinformation and false propaganda, serving as a political tool for [the] Philippines to pursue illegitimate claims in the South China Sea. Its screening would severely mislead the public and send the wrong message internationally," the email from the Chinese Consulate read.

"This documentary disregarded history and facts, and is designed to amplify the Philippines' wrong position on the issue concerning the South China Sea and deliberately distort and hype up the maritime situation," it added.

However, Doc Edge general manager Rachael Penman said that they have refused the request and asserted that Food Delivery was "really important to be seen" as it "brings up a conversation with so many people."

The news outlet reached out to the Philippine Embassy on the matter, but they only said that they are "aware" of the situation.

Meanwhile, Villarama told L!fe that they did not make the film to fight propaganda.

"Food Delivery does not aim to malign a country we have long looked up to as family. It does not spread misinformation. It simply tells the truth through the stories of real people who live and struggle at sea. There’s no need to silence a story like this because there’s no attack here, only honesty," she said, inviting the Chinese government to see the film.

"Perhaps when they see the human faces behind these stories, they might realize there is room for understanding. The sea is vast. There’s enough space for all of us, if only we choose to see each other," she said.

The award-winning director hopes that the audience "remembers that what’s at stake isn’t just territory," but the very existence and well-being of people who depend on their right to fish, sail, and secure food.

Pinoy film wins Crystal Bear at Berlinale 2025

Maris Racal-led film 'Sunshine' wins Crystal Bear at 75th Berlinale

Iza Iglesias

Manila Times

22 February 2025

MANILA, Philippines — "Sunshine," a sports drama film written and directed by Antoinette Jadaone and starring Maris Racal, won the Crystal Bear at the 75th Berlin International Film Festival.

In the film, Maris Racal plays Sunshine, a young gymnast who finds out she is pregnant on the week of the national tryouts. FACEBOOK PHOTO/PROJECT 8 PROJECTS


"Today, on February 21, the Crystal Bears of the Generation 14plus Youth Jury and Prizes of the Generation International Jury, endowed by the Bundeszentrale für politische Bildung (Federal Agency for Civic Education), have been presented in Generation 14plus," Berlinale announced on its official social media pages Saturday (Manila time).

The Generation 14plus Youth Jury members — Nour Ibrahim, Zeynep Atay, Tyler Kurokhtin, Jil Baalmann and Rohan Yadav — selected "Sunshine" for the award.

Generation 14plus is a section of the Berlin International Film Festival (Berlinale) that focuses on films for audiences aged 14 and older. It showcases stories that explore themes relevant to teenagers and young adults, often addressing coming-of-age narratives, social issues and personal struggles.

Antoinette Jadaone's 'Sunshine' starring Maris Racal wins the Berlin International Film Festival' prestigious Crystal Bear Award for Best Film. INSTAGRAM PHOTO/BERLINALE

On its website, the jury praised "Sunshine" for its "sensitive view on its modern and socially critical topic and its strong message. It touched us not only through the acting performances, but also with its dark, yet hopeful and empowering atmosphere, which the filmmakers created with their way of storytelling."

"It raises our awareness by confronting us with the reality of the social and political problems it addresses, which unfortunately still exist today. The film's balance of different moral perspectives and impressive stylistic elements creates an immersive reality that feels authentic and deeply moving," the jury continued.

"Nothing about it feels exaggerated or distant — it draws us in and enables us to experience the characters' inner conflicts in an inspiring way that stays with us long after we've finished watching. Whether or not viewers can directly identify with the issues it tackles, we believe this film will leave a lasting impact," they added.

"Sunshine" follows a young gymnast who discovers she is pregnant the week of the national tryouts. The film premiered on Sept. 13, 2024, at the Toronto International Film Festival and later screened at the 2025 Berlinale as part of the Generation 14plus section.

The film had a sold-out premiere at Berlinale.

"Director Antoinette Jadaone, along with actor Elijah Canlas and the team of 'Sunshine,' attended the film's packed screening at a 1,000-seat theater! They also held an engaging Q&A after more than a minute of applause at the end of the film. 'Sunshine' is competing at this year's Berlinale under the Generation 14 category!" Project 8 Projects shared on social media.

On Feb. 13, Racal attended the opening ceremony and the screening of "Das Licht," wearing a lime green chiffon gown designed by Jot Losa.

In addition to Racal, "Sunshine" stars Elijah Canlas, Xyriel Manabat, Jennica Garcia, Annika Co and Meryll Soriano.

Fil-Am nurses featured in US Film Festival

Untold stories of Filipino nurses featured at Napa Valley film festival

Gavin Martinez 
Inquirer.net
25 January 2025

Filipino nurses, often unsung heroes of global healthcare, take center stage in Michele Josue’s documentary, “Nurse Unseen.” 

The film delves into their selfless contributions, all while showing their courage, resilience and compassion during the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Simultaneously, it highlights their fight against a troubling surge in anti-Asian hate incidents.

Recently, “Nurse Unseen” has been chosen as the opening feature film for the inaugural Napa Valley Asian American Film Festival (NVAAFF). This highly anticipated event debuts on Friday, Feb. 7 at the Napa Valley College Performing Arts Center.

The NVAAFF aims to celebrate the vibrant and dynamic storytelling of Asian and Asian American creatives, which combines traditional filmmaking with the innovative realms of contemporary storytelling.

Co-hosted by actress and winemaker Kara Wang and actor Ryan Alexander Holmes, the festival promises a unique experience that merges cinematic brilliance with Napa Valley’s renowned charm.

Highlighting the event’s vision, “Nurse Unseen” exemplifies the festival’s commitment to amplifying untold stories. According to the press release, the festival offers attendees an immersive day of storytelling, creativity and cultural exchange. 

The lineup also features films that celebrate the diversity and innovation of Asian and Asian American voices, complemented by Napa’s signature culinary and winemaking heritage.

Among the highlights of the festival are an exploration of AI-inspired short films, which showcase how artificial intelligence is transforming the filmmaking process.

This segment highlights the potential of new technologies to expand creative freedom and democratize access to storytelling for emerging voices. 

Attendees will also be treated to a series of critically acclaimed feature films, each exploring themes of resilience, identity and community through an Asian American lens.

Additionally, the festival will feature narrative shorts, presenting personal stories that capture the complexities of human connection and cultural intersectionality.

Kathryn Bernardo is Snow Leopard Rising Star Awardee

Kathryn Bernardo bags Snow Leopard Rising Star Award at Asian World Film Festival

Story by GMA Integrated News 
23 November 2024

Kathryn Bernardo was named Snow Leopard Rising Star at this year’s Asian World Film Festival (AWFF)!

Photo: Sthanlee Mirador/IG

In a press release, AWFF said that the “Hello, Love, Again” actress has established herself as one of the Philippines’ “most bankable and beloved performers.”

Kathryn received the award during the Closing Night Awards Gala held at the Culver Theater in California.

Alden Richards was also present at the festival for “Hello, Love, Again” screening. The movie served as the closing film for the event.

The sequel film is now the highest-grossing Filipino movie of all time, earning P930 million in worldwide box office just 10 days after its release.

“Hello, Love, Again” debuted in Philippine cinemas on November 13. It is showing in 1,100 cinemas in Europe, North America, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East. —Carby Rose Basina/JCB, GMA Integrated News

Young Fil-Am actor wins top award at international filmfest

Fil-Am young actor’s film ‘Camera’ captures top award at int’l film festival

Story by Hans Carbonilla
Inquirer.net
01 May 2024

At the Julien Dubuque International Film Festival, Jay Silverman’s “Camera” quietly stole the spotlight, earning the Best Feature Film (Family category) award.

During the awards night, Silverman introduced the audience to his film’s star, Filipino American young actor Miguel Gabriel, declaring, “This is the star of my film, Miguel.”

In “Camera,” Gabriel shines as Oscar, a nine-year-old navigating life without the ability to speak. The film follows his journey alongside his mother, played by Jessica Parker Kennedy. He then meets a seasoned repairman portrayed by Beau Bridges and becomes his mentor, teaching him the art of photography and imparting invaluable life lessons along the way.

This marks a significant milestone for the Fil-Am actor as it was his first lead role in a feature film. Reflecting on the win at the film festival, Gabriel expressed that he was “shocked but with so much excitement and joy.”

“I felt proud and happy,” he continued. “I’m grateful to everyone who was involved in making this movie. Winning an award proves that all our hard work to make this film come to life on the big screen for everyone to enjoy has paid off. It warms my heart.”

When asked about the feeling of being brought on stage with Silverman to receive the award, he expressed, “It was amazing! It felt like I got the biggest lifetime achievement award.”

His portrayal of Oscar holds personal significance, drawing from his own experiences with speech impediments when he was younger.

“So I went to a speech therapist and she suggested theater for me because I was expressive through my face and body language,” he told Inquirer.net USA. “So when I did theater, it helped me get over it, and now I get to use that experience, those feelings I felt, and use it to be Oscar.”

The Julien Dubuque International Film Festival is an annual event held in the heart of Dubuque, Iowa, where films from around the world are screened during the five-day event.

After JDIFF, “Camera” prepares to embark on its journey to more esteemed film festivals such as the San Luis Obispo Film Festival, the Beverly Hills Film Festival and the prestigious Cannes Film Festival.

GMA-7 wins award at the New York Festivals TV & Film

GMA-7 takes home multiple wins at New York Festival TV and Film Awards 2024

Story by PEP team
14 April 2024

Media giant GMA Network wins big for the Philippines, bringing home a total of seven medals —including one World Gold medal—at the New York Festivals TV & Film (NYF) Awards 2024.

This marks the first time all the GMA-7 shortlisted entries won in their respective categories.

GMA-7 takes home multiple wins at New York Festival TV and Film Awards 2024

GOLD AND SILVER MEDALS FOR  The Atom Araullo Specials

At the virtual Storytellers Gala held on April 17 (Philippine time), multi-awarded GMA Public Affairs once again dominated the country’s winning entries with six medals.

The bi-monthly public affairs program The Atom Araullo Specials clinched a World Gold Medal again, this time for the powerful documentary "Batas Bata" (Child’s Game) in the Documentary: Social Justice category.

The episode showed Atom Araullo exploring the lives of minors entangled in the complex web of crime and conflict within the heart of Manila.

The documentary also assessed the Philippines’ existing legal framework—including how it adequately addresses the unique challenges faced by these young individuals.

A second The Atom Araullo Specials documentary, "Hingang Malalim" (One Deep Breath), earned a Silver Medal under the Documentary: Human Concerns category.

The episode featured the life of the Badjao people who make a living out of diving for pearls in Mindanao.

THREE MEDALS FOR I-WITNESS

GMA Public Affairs’ flagship documentary program I-Witness earned three medals this year.

"Bawat Barya" (The Price of Dreams), also a documentary by Araullo, won a Silver medal in the Documentary: Social Issues category.

It featured the story of two young boys who search for coins in a dirty water channel for a living.

Winning Bronze medals each were Howie Severino’s documentary "Boat to School" and Mav Gonzales’ documentary "Sisid sa Putik" (Rise from the Mud).

"Boat to School," which won under the Documentary: Heroes category, showed the plight of the students, who had to traverse the sea using a boat just to go to their school in Liaonan, Siargao.

It also told the story of how one resident took it upon herself to gather children in her small home to teach them what she could with the little knowledge she had.

Meanwhile, "Sisid sa Putik" took home the Bronze medal in the Documentary: Community Portraits category.

Mav’s documentary featured the old tradition of Agusan Del Norte residents diving into the waters to get mud that will be used to plant frog grass.

BRONZE FOR BLACK RIDER

Arriving on the global stage for the first time was GMA Public Affairs’ action-packed drama series Black Rider, which won a Bronze medal in the Entertainment Program: Drama category.

Bannered by Prime-Time Action Hero Ruru Madrid, Black Rider weaves together elements of heroism, revenge, justice, and family drama in a compelling narrative on a cinematic scale.

Rounding off the accolades of GMA Network this year was GMA Integrated News’ "Sundo: A GMA Integrated News Documentary," which won a Bronze Medal in the News Program: News Documentary/Special category.

This marks a significant milestone as this is the first news documentary under GMA Integrated News 360.

"Sundo" chronicles the war between Hamas and Israel as told through the lenses of GMA Integrated News’ veteran journalists Raffy Tima and JP Soriano and video journalist Kim Sorra.

GMA Integrated News was the first Philippine news organization to deliver live and exclusive reports straight from the Middle East in the Israel-Hamas conflict at that time.

The New York Festivals TV & Film Awards recognizes content in all lengths and forms from over 50 countries.

GMA Network was the only local broadcast company to make this year’s shortlisted entries.

Pinoys shine at Vietnam Filmfest

Filipino film bags top honor; Liza Soberano among jury at Vietnam filmfest

Kathleen A. Llemit 
Philstar.com
14 April 2024

MANILA, Philippines — Liza Soberano graced the red carpet of the 1st Ho Chi Minh City International Film Festival in Vietnam, where she also served as among the judges at the inaugural film fest. Apart from her, Sheron Dayoc's film "Gospel of the Beast" bagged the Golden Star Award or Best Film. 

The jetsetting Filipino-American actress stood out in her simple yet sleek black dress with her hair polished in a tight bun as she walked the red carpet yesterday. 

She was introduced as among the judges of the First or Second Film Category, which fetes the debut or second feature films of emerging directors and talents from all over the world. 

Liza's co-judges include the Oscar-winning editor of "Whiplash" Vietnamese-American Tom Cross, film producer John Badalu, film director Nguyen Thanh Van and New York Asian Film Festival Executive Director Samuel Jamier. 

The "Lisa Frankenstein" star was also the presenter of the Best Actress award. 

Meanwhile, former Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) President Liza Diño congratulated Dayoc for his film's latest achievement on Instagram. 

"Saving the best for last….The Philippines FTW!!!! Congratulations Sheron Dayoc for winning the BEST FILM award in HIFF - Ho Chi Minh City International Film Festival. This gripping feature film Produced by Sonny Calventoand Arden Rod B. Condez of Southern Lantern Studios was supported by the FilmPhilippines International Coproduuction Fund during my time in FDCP as head of the agency," Diño wrote on Instagram. 

The Hollywood Reporter's Jordan Mintzer describes Dayoc's film as "realistic and determinedly fatalistic" view at Filipino gang life. It premiered at the 2023 Tokyo International Film Festival. 

The other films in Dayoc's category include "13 Bombs," "Blue Imagine," "Dreaming & Dying," "Fire on the Water," "Last Shadow at First Light," "Oasis of Now," "Solids by the Seashore," "Tenement," "The Cursed Land" and "Wonderland."

The jury for the Southeast Asia Film award include film critics and directors such as Hoang Cam Giang, Nguyen Vo Nghiem Minh, Le Thanh Son, Dao Ba Son, Wahyuni Hadi, Janice Chua, Pham Hong Anh, Bao Nguyen and Oliver Pere, who was the artistic director of Cannes' Directors' Fortnight from 2004 to 2009.