“I prefer emotional clarity”: Rafael Manuel on Filipiñana at Berlin Film Festival 2026

Director Rafael Manuel discussed his compelling film Filipiñana at the Berlin Film Festival 2026. Building on his 2020 award-winning short, Manuel faced the challenge of evolving the concept for a longer version, ensuring it was “an evolution” rather than mere expansion. He delved into the film’s distinctive ending, where the audience’s passive observation mirrors the narrative’s violence and inaction. Manuel articulated his filmmaking philosophy, stating, “I prefer emotional clarity,” prioritising emotional impact over strict narrative detail. He also explored the contrasting journeys of Isabel and Clara, highlighting how their experiences illuminate the country club’s exploitative system and themes of resistance and freedom.