As the 99th Academy Awards approach on March 14, 2027, the Philippines is poised to make a significant impact with eight films shortlisted for the Best International Feature Film category. This selection, made by a National Selection Committee, showcases the rich diversity of Filipino storytelling.
A Diverse Selection Highlighting Filipino Experiences
The shortlisted films cover a broad range of themes including love, injustice, and Philippine history. Each film aims to connect with international audiences through unique narratives.
The films this year offer a spectrum of views of the Filipino experience. They look at our history, the issues we continue to face, and the ways Filipinos deal with questions of power, identity, love, freedom, and survival.
Paolo Villaluna, FAP Director-General
The selection process was rigorous, weighing artistic merit (50%), cultural relevance (30%), and campaign potential (20%). The Film Academy of the Philippines (FAP) oversaw the committee, comprising seven film practitioners sanctioned by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
- *58th* directed by Carl Joseph Papa - An animated retelling of the 2009 Maguindanao massacre from a personal perspective.
- *All the Things I Leave You (Patawid)* directed by Jade Castro - A boys’ love film set in Ilocos, exploring young romance and an old love story.
- *Filipiñana* directed by Rafael Manuel - A black comedy critiquing class divides through the eyes of a tee-girl at a golf club.
- *I’mPerfect* directed by Sigrid Andrea Bernardo - A romantic narrative about two individuals with Down syndrome striving for independence.
- *Manila’s Finest* directed by Raymond Red - A crime drama set in 1969, addressing corruption and violence leading up to Martial Law.
- *Quezon* directed by Jerrold Tarog - A historical portrayal of Manuel L. Quezon, the first president of the Commonwealth.
- *Silenced Nights* directed by Lawrence Fajardo - A gripping tale of extrajudicial killings set against the backdrop of Manila.
- *Sisa* directed by Jun Robles Lana - A historical drama about a woman in a concentration camp during the American occupation, revealing her secret identity.
The potential success of these films at the Oscars could not only elevate the Philippine film industry but also foster economic growth through increased tourism and local theater attendance.
This year's shortlist follows a previous unsuccessful attempt with *Magellan,* which did not advance in the 98th Academy Awards. The new entries reflect a renewed commitment to showcase Filipino talent and narratives on the global stage.