Berlin Hidden Gem: How ‘Filipiñana’ Director Rafael Manuel Turned a Golf Course Into a Portrait of Power and Complicity

Hollywood Reporter

by Kevin Cassidy

February 14, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Rafael Manuel’s debut feature *Filipiñana* turns a serene golf course into a chilling portrait of power and complicity. The film opens with idyllic images of lush fairways and leisurely golfing rituals, creating an illusion of calm that masks deeper brutality. Through its striking visual style—4:3 aspect ratio, vibrant color palette, and Busby Berkeley-esque choreography—Manuel reveals the hidden tensions beneath the surface of a posh Philippine country club. The story follows Isabel, a 17-year-old “tee girl,” who navigates the club’s complex social dynamics and uncovers its dark underbelly. The film explores the historical roots of golf in the Philippines, tied to colonialist influences and the transfer of power from American military bases to local elites. Manuel uses visual language to emphasize these inequalities: shooting in 4:3 ratio to highlight verticality, placing club members higher in the frame than their subservient staff. The film’s sound design amplifies the impact, turning golf clubs’ crack into a gunshot-like noise that underscores the underlying violence. Manuel draws inspiration from an enduring image of a tee girl serving wealthy men, which he saw as a microcosm of power dynamics in his country. By embedding these themes into the film’s form, *Filipiñana* becomes more than just a story—it’s a critique of systemic inequality and complicity. The film’s bold yet subtle approach makes it a standout at the Berlin International Film Festival, where political storytelling is celebrated. For readers interested in independent cinema and thought-provoking entertainment, *Filipiñana* offers a compelling example of how art can expose societal issues. Manuel’s use of formal techniques to address real-world problems highlights the potential of cinema as a tool for social commentary, making the film a must-watch for those drawn to unique and insightful storytelling.

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Originally published on Hollywood Reporter on 2/14/2026