Rafael Manuel on 'Filipinana,' Jia Zhangke and 'White Lotus'

Variety

by Naman Ramachandran

February 15, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Rafael Manuel’s debut feature *Filipinana* has garnered significant attention following its win at Sundance and ahead of its Berlinale premiere. The film, which explores themes of social inequality and systemic violence through the story of Isabel, a 17-year-old working at an elite Manila country club, reflects Manuel’s unique narrative style and philosophical approach to storytelling. While comparisons to HBO’s *The White Lotus* have been drawn due to its satirical take on luxury resort culture, Manuel emphasizes that the films are fundamentally different, with *Filipinana* focusing more on the experiences of non-Western characters and the broader societal implications of the setting. Manuel’s filmmaking philosophy draws inspiration from literary theory, particularly the works of Claude Lévi-Strauss, which he uses to balance poetic thought with narrative structure. He prioritizes emotional clarity over traditional plot-driven storytelling, believing that this approach anchors audiences more deeply in the film’s world. This perspective was further developed during his mentorship with renowned Chinese director Jia Zhangke, who helped Manuel refine his focus on blending social commentary with personal insight. Set against the backdrop of an oppressive heatwave and drought, *Filipinana* follows Isabel as she navigates the opulent yet morally corrupt environment of the country club. Her attempts to return a misplaced golf club lead her to uncover dark truths about the resort’s patrons, the Philippines’ societal structures, and her own past. Manuel uses the setting not just as a backdrop but as a metaphor for the broader issues plaguing contemporary Filipino society. The film’s exploration of violence, poverty, and systemic inequality is particularly notable for its refusal to exoticize these themes, instead grounding them in relatable human experiences. This approach makes *Filipinana* a thought-provoking commentary on power dynamics and complicity, offering viewers a fresh perspective on issues often misrepresented in mainstream media. With its award-winning acclaim and unique storytelling vision, *Filipinana

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Originally published on Variety on 2/15/2026