Filipino Cinema: From Golden Ages to Global Praise

One of Asia's oldest film industries

Filipinos were making films by the early 20th century, and the industry enjoyed golden ages in the 1950s and again in the 1970s–80s. Director Lino Brocka's Insiang (1976) was the first Filipino film shown at the Cannes Film Festival, and his Manila in the Claws of Light is regularly named among Asia's best films.

In more recent years, Brillante Mendoza won Best Director at Cannes (2009) and Lav Diaz won the Golden Lion at Venice (2016) — proof of how highly world cinema regards Filipino filmmakers.

Filipino films to start with

• Himala (1982) — Ishmael Bernal's classic about a village miracle, starring Nora Aunor.
• Heneral Luna (2015) — a stirring historical epic about the revolutionary general Antonio Luna.
• Four Sisters and a Wedding (2013) — a beloved family comedy-drama.
• Hello, Love, Goodbye (2019) — a romance about overseas Filipino workers in Hong Kong, and a record-breaking hit.

Regions, languages and heart

The Philippines has over 170 languages. Filipino (based on Tagalog) and English are official, while Cebuano, Ilocano, Hiligaynon and many others thrive in Luzon, the Visayas and Mindanao. Each region adds its own food, festivals and music — from Cebu's Sinulog to Bacolod's MassKara.

Above all, Filipinos are celebrated worldwide for warmth, resilience and talent — from Broadway singers like Lea Salonga to millions of overseas workers who carry their bayanihan spirit everywhere.