Kino Lorber Acquires Sundance, Berlin Film 'Filipinana' for North America

The surreal drama, executive produced by Chinese auteur Jia Zhangke, is set for its European bow at the Berlinale before a North American theatrical release.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Kino Lorber has secured the North American distribution rights to 'Filipinana,' the debut feature from director Rafael Manuel that won the Special Jury Award for Creative Vision at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival. The film is set to have its European premiere at the Berlinale in February before Kino Lorber releases it theatrically in North America later this year, followed by digital, educational, and home video releases.

Why it matters

The acquisition of 'Filipinana' by Kino Lorber, a prominent independent film distributor, signals the growing interest and acclaim for emerging international filmmakers. The film's accolades at prestigious festivals like Sundance and Berlinale further highlight the increasing global reach and recognition of diverse cinematic voices.

The details

Kino Lorber's VP of acquisitions, Karoliina Dwyer, negotiated the deal with Austin Kennedy of Magnify. Director Rafael Manuel expanded the film from his 2020 award-winning short of the same title, serving as the writer, director, producer, and editor. The cast includes Jorrybell Agoto, Carmen Castellanos, Teroy Guzman, Carlitos Siguion-Reyna, Isabel Sicat, and Nour Hooshmand. Set against a backdrop of oppressive heat and drought, the narrative follows Isabel, a 17-year-old Ilokana from the rural north.

  • The film is set for its European premiere at the Berlinale on February 15, 2026.
  • Kino Lorber plans to release the film theatrically in North America later in 2026, followed by digital, educational, and home video releases.

The players

Kino Lorber

A prominent independent film distributor that has acquired the North American distribution rights to 'Filipinana.'

Rafael Manuel

The director, writer, producer, and editor of 'Filipinana,' who expanded the film from his 2020 award-winning short of the same title.

Jia Zhangke

The Chinese auteur who served as an executive producer on 'Filipinana.'

Karoliina Dwyer

The VP of acquisitions at Kino Lorber who negotiated the deal for the North American distribution rights.

Austin Kennedy

The representative from Magnify who negotiated the deal with Kino Lorber on behalf of the filmmakers.

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What’s next

The film is set to have its European premiere at the Berlinale on February 15, 2026, before Kino Lorber releases it theatrically in North America later in the year.

The takeaway

The success of 'Filipinana' at prestigious film festivals and its acquisition by a leading independent distributor like Kino Lorber highlights the increasing global recognition and appreciation for diverse cinematic voices, particularly from emerging international filmmakers.