Sean Baker calls ‘Filipiñana’ a masterpiece, urges Academy voters to watch

Baker, whose film “Anora” won the Palme d’Or at Cannes and multiple Academy Awards, described “Filipiñana” as a “masterpiece in deadpan political satire,” according to Balbuena-Liew.

The producer also revealed that Baker has been actively encouraging Academy members to see the Filipino film.

“He’s also been calling Academy voters to check out the film. Such a big heart,” she wrote.

Balbuena-Liew shared another personal moment, revealing that Baker followed her on Instagram and expressed admiration for her work.

“He also followed me in instagram saying he loves my films. I’m so kilig!” she added.

A growing international campaign

The endorsement comes as “Filipiñana” continues its international awards campaign following Best Film victories at Jakarta Film Week and the Molodist Kyiv International Film Festival.

The film has held screenings in Los Angeles and New York, including at Laemmle Glendale Theater, Dolby 88 Screening Room, and SoHo House.

Its New York engagements also included screenings at New Plaza on November 6 and Nitehawk Williamsburg on November 7, with Manuel in attendance.

The film is scheduled to participate in eight festivals this November across Thessaloniki, Kyiv, Norway, Taipei, Lithuania, Germany, Doha, and Yogyakarta, with three more festivals lined up in December.

Additional US screenings through distributor Kino Lorber are planned for early December in New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco.

A UK theatrical release through the British Film Institute is scheduled for November 20, alongside a special screening at Amsterdam’s Eye Filmmuseum.

The difficult road to the Oscars

Despite the growing international recognition, Balbuena-Liew acknowledged the enormous challenges of mounting an Academy Awards campaign.

She described the extensive work behind the scenes, including Academy screening uploads, advertising campaigns, awards consultants, social media teams, and outreach to industry voters.

“All this work for such MINISCULE possibility of getting to the shortlist,” she admitted.

The producer described herself as overwhelmed but grateful for the experience, thanking the Film Academy of the Philippines for its support.

For “Filipiñana,” Baker’s endorsement represents a significant boost in visibility within Hollywood’s filmmaking community.

While an Oscar shortlist placement remains uncertain, the film’s growing international recognition and support from an Academy Award-winning director mark another encouraging development for Philippine cinema.