#Oscars2025: Which Filipino film may be submitted for Best International Feature race

With the movie awards season soon approaching, the deadlines for submissions are also about to close. For next year's Academy Awards, the important date is October 2 for the Best International Feature Film category. 

As part of the Philippine Film Industry Month's Closing Ceremony on September 27, the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) will officially announce our submission for the upcoming Oscars. Which Filipino film are eligible for submission and which one could be submitted?

(from left to right) GomBurZa, Balota, & Tumandok

Screen Daily summarizes an international feature film as "a feature-length motion picture (over 40 minutes) produced outside the US with a predominantly (more than 50%) non-English dialogue track and can include animated and documentary features." 

The submitted film must have been released theatrically in their respective countries between November 1, 2023, and September 30, 2024. This means MMFF 2023 films are eligible together with films released during Cinemalaya 2024 and Puregold CinePanalo 2024.

Last year, the Film Academy of the Philippines (with the help of FDCP) has picked Carl Joseph Papa's Iti Mapukpukaw (The Missing) by the last week of September to represent the country for the 96th Academy Awards. The Filipino-Ilocano rotoscope animation, which currently has a 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, won Best Film during Cinemalaya 2023 and was screened through various festivals around the world. While industry trades such as Variety saw its potential to be in contention, it ultimately was not able to secure a slot for nomination.

In an interview with Inquirer, FDCP chair Jose Javier Reyes revealed Originality, universality of theme and a Filipino story that the whole world can relate to as the top three considerations when it comes to picking our entry.

While we wait for the Academy's decision, here are the possible picks* including our thoughts: 

*We have no direct affiliation with FDCP nor a source about their official shortlist. These picks are on our own. 

GomBurZa 

Dir. Pepe Diokno

Jesuit Communications, MQuest Ventures, CMB Film Services

Embroiled in a bitter campaign against inequality, three priests suffer the fury of Spanish colonial rule in the Philippines. Based on historical events

The film raked in awards during 49th Metro Manila Film Festival including 2nd Best Picture, Best Director for Pepe Diokno, Best Actor for Cedrick Juan, and a handful of technical awards. Box office-wise, the film ranked third during the festival and garnered 1.8 million views on Netflix during the first half of the year. Critics and digital creators also overwhelmingly approve of the film. 

The film itself has a strong message that won't be lost in translation. Production companies could back up its potential awards campaign and star-power is solid here as well. Historians could also add more engagement for the film's campaign. However, these have to all reach the international waves to make a dent. 

Firefly 

Dir. Zig Dulay

GMA Pictures, GMA Public Affairs

After hearing tales from his mother at bedtime, a young boy sets off to find the fabled island of fireflies.

This fellow MMFF 2023 entry seems like a solid contender on paper as well. The fantasy film starring Alessandra De Rossi and Euwenn Mikaell won Best Picture, Best Screenplay for Angeli Atienza, and Best Child Performer for Mikaell during the festival. The film premiered on Beijing International Film Festival this year and found a steaming home in Prime Video back in April. The film also got good reviews among local critics. There's nothing really negative to say which could be its main advantage: the story is so universally-appealing.

Balota 

Dir. Kip Oebanda

GMA Pictures, GMA Entertainment Group, Film Development Council of the Philippines

A land-grabbing tycoon and a former sexy male actor are in a tight race for mayor in a small town. When violence erupts, Emmy, a teacher, runs into the wilderness with a ballot box, the last copy of the election result.

The film received mostly positive reviews among critics and digital creators. Marian Rivera won Best Actress for her performance here during Cinemalaya 2023. The film itself, however, was notably unsuccessful in winning other awards. Despite that, the story remains relevant - particularly in an American election season. It will get a nationwide release on October 16 which is a solid start to gain momentum.

Alipato at Muog 

Dir. JP Burgos

Pulang Langgam Media Productions

A filmmaker uncovers the hard truths surrounding the enforced disappearance of his older brother.

If we're talking about a wild pick, this is the one. The film was given the Special Jury Prize during Cinemalaya 2024. The film further made news when the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board initially gave it an "X" rating under the reason that it would "undermine the faith and confidence of the people in their government and/or duly-constituted authorities." The film would latter receive an "R-16" after director JP Burgos appealed to re-review the film. 

What it says really is its biggest advantage and disadvantage. It's a Filipino story yet relatable to various nations around the world. Picking this film would surely make buzz and likely pique interest of Academy Voters. Building a campaign for this though will be a struggle.

Tumandok

Dir. Kat Sumagaysay, Richard Salvadicio

The Ati, a Negrito ethnic group in Western Visayas, Philippines, have been steadfast in their fight to reclaim ancestral lands. In a rare opportunity, they take center stage in a film that intimately recounts their tales of struggle.

Tumandok won Best Film during Cinemalaya 2024. It also received the Best Supporting Actor award for Felipe Ganancial, Screenplay for Arden Rod Condes and Arlie Sweet Sumagaysay, and Original Score for  Paulo Almaden & the Ati People of Kabarangkalan. 

This is an original film with a Filipino story that feels very relevant now. It exactly fits into their criteria. With the right campaign messaging, this has actually also a chance of garnering a nomination. The only hindrance for this if picked will be on mounting a campaign as it would rely on help of FDCP, media, and other institutions unlike films backed by major studios. 

Other contenders: 

Kono Basho (This Place)

Dir. Jaime Pacena II

Project 8 Projects, Mentorque Productions

As two estranged half-sisters reunite at their father's funeral, they mend their differences, find solace in shared grief, and become instrumental in the city's ongoing recovery.

Love Child

Dir. Jonathan Jurilla

Regal Entertainment, Southern Lantern Studios

A young couple navigates the challenges of raising their autistic son in an increasingly unforgiving world, testing their love and resilience.

Your Mother's Son 

Dir. Jun Lana

The IdeaFirst Company

Relationship between a hard-working mother and her son is challenged when she invites one of her students to their home.

Under a Piaya Moon 

Dir. Kurt Soberano

Puregold

In 1980s Bacolod City, a young man aspires to continue the family legacy by winning an inter-city pastry competition with the help of his feuding grandfather and grandmother.