Writer-director Rafael Manuel's debut feature Filipiñana presents an elite country club as a site of exploitation masked by tropical allure. The Hollywood Reporter's review describes the film as a surreal satire. It was published on January 24, 2026.
Rafael Manuel marks his entry into feature filmmaking with Filipiñana, a work that transforms a luxurious country club setting into a critique of underlying exploitation. According to the review in The Hollywood Reporter, the film unveils a paradise-like environment that conceals deeper social tensions.
The narrative centers on this elite enclave, using surreal elements to highlight disparities and power dynamics. Manuel's direction brings a fresh perspective to themes of privilege and labor in a tropical context. No specific plot details or cast information emerge from the overview, but the satire's tone is noted for its darkness and inventiveness.
This review positions Filipiñana as a notable addition to independent cinema, emphasizing its bold take on familiar settings. As Manuel's first feature, it signals potential for innovative storytelling in the genre.
