Filipiñana

“A masterwork. Rafael Manuel opens new vistas in the future of the cinema.”

“Impossibly gorgeous shot after impossibly gorgeous shot. It’s not an exaggeration to say that quite literally every frame is a work of art.”

“An incisive, slow-burning satire of capitalism and powerful men with far too much hubris – basically, a story for our times.”

“I found myself utterly and completely riveted. Holds a potent, petrifying and poetic power. A work of art that may change those watching it."

“A rich, densely cinematic film, it is a stunning assured debut from young Filipino filmmaker Rafael Manuel. A film that should be seen in cinemas.”

"Darkly comic, visually inventive...cinematically builds into a scathing account of inequality."

“An excellent, acerbic class dramedy… a gut-punch disguised within a caustic satire, the likes of which you’re unlikely to see replicated this or any other year.”

“Marvelous. Deserves to shoot Rafael Manuel straight into the big leagues – its formal and visual brilliance slices us into well-deserved ribbons, without ever straining a muscle to get it done.”

“An invigorating dose of arch formalism in a sea of mainstream sincerity, this is the kind of movie that asks for the viewer’s attention… the angle of a golf club can evoke suspense, a piece of fruit on the ground can feel like a tragedy, and a casual glance can take your breath away.”