Filipinpiana": A Cinematic Marvel Coming to North America - Kino Lorber Secures Distribution Rights
Kino Lorber has acquired the distribution rights for the film "Filipinpiana," directed by Rafael Manuel, which won the Special Jury Award for Creative Vision at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival. The movie, executive produced by Jia Zhangke, will have its European premiere at the Berlinale on Feb. 15 and will be released theatrically in North America by Kino Lorber later this year, followed by digital, educational, and home video releases. The deal was negotiated by Karoliina Dwyer of Kino Lorber and Austin Kennedy of Magnify.
"Filipinpiana" is Manuel's debut feature, expanded from his award-winning short film of the same name. The story revolves around Isabel, a 17-year-old Ilokana who works at a country club outside Manila, where she encounters various elite patrons and uncovers dark truths about the institution and her own history. The cast includes Jorrybell Agoto, Carmen Castellanos, Teroy Guzman, Carlitos Siguion-Reyna, Isabel Sicat, and Nour Hooshmand.
Manuel expressed his excitement about collaborating with Kino Lorber, known for bringing bold international cinema to North American audiences. Richard Lorber, the chair and CEO of Kino Lorber, praised "Filipinpiana" as a cinematic marvel that embodies the future of art cinema, combining stunning visuals, sound design, choreography, and a subtle political statement. The film was developed and co-financed by Film4 and produced by a team of talented individuals.
The project was supported by producers, co-producers, and executive producers from various production companies, including Film4. Manuel, a filmmaker with an impressive track record in short films, has garnered recognition at prestigious film festivals and received mentorship from Jia Zhangke through the Rolex Arts Initiative. "Filipinpiana" promises to captivate North American audiences with its unique storytelling and visual artistry.