Filipiñana

Not everything is as it seems at the country club.

Golf. Heatwave. Capitalism. One of the most critically acclaimed films at this year's Sundance Film Festival comes from the Philippines, and its visual style stands alongside the best work by master directors such as Apichatpong Weerasethakul and Tsai Ming-liang. We find ourselves in one of the country's many scenic areas, where a wealthy American has established an exclusive golf club. The target clientele is wealthy Chinese visitors, and the club is run by its prominent manager, Dr. Palance, who expects perfection at every level. Our way in is 17-year-old Isabel, one of many Tee Girls working at the club. Through her inquisitive gaze, we discover what is going on in the luxurious club, both on the surface and subtly hidden beneath it. One of the festival's most beautiful films, with incredible visual power and an artistic style that must be experienced on the big screen.