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Kino Lorber Acquires North American Rights to Rafael Manuel’s 'Filipiñana'

The Sundance prizewinner will bow in Europe at Berlinale on Feb. 15 before a planned U.S. theatrical release later in 2026.

Overview

  • The film won the Special Jury Award for Creative Vision at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival.
  • Kino Lorber plans a North American theatrical run this year followed by digital, educational and home-video releases.
  • Film4 developed and co-financed the project, with executive producer credit for Jia Zhangke.
  • The acquisition was negotiated by Kino Lorber’s Karoliina Dwyer with Austin Kennedy of Magnify.
  • Expanded from Manuel’s 2020 short, the drama follows a 17-year-old Ilokana working at an elite country club outside Manila.