‘Sunshine,’ ‘Green Bones,’ 'Food Delivery' among films being considered for PH entry to Oscars
The Film Development Council of the Philippines has named the seven films being considered as the country’s official entry to the 98th Academy Awards.
FDCP Chairman Jose Javier Reyes announced during the press conference on Friday, Aug. 15, the Filipino films being eyed to be submitted to the Oscars for the Best International Feature category.
The contenders are:
- Sunshine, directed by Antoinette Jadaone, starring Maris Racal
- Magellan, directed by Lav Diaz, starring Gael Garcia Bernal
- Food Delivery, directed by Baby Ruth Villarama
- Hello, Love, Again, directed by Cathy Garcia-Sampana, starring Kathryn Bernardo and Alden Richards
- Green Bones, directed by Zig Dulay, starring Dennis Trillo and Ruru Madrid
- Some Nights I Feel Like Walking, directed by Petersen Vargas, starring Miguel Odron
- Song of the Fireflies, directed by King Palisoc, starring Morissette, Rachel Alejandro, Noel Comia Jr., and Chai Fonacier
According to Reyes, the selection committee needs to be approved by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences before it convenes and selects a film. The chosen film will be announced on Sept. 11 during the gala night of the Philippine Film Industry Month.
"It's not enough that you are the best movie, kailangan may machinery ka to promote, labanan nito strategy," Reyes told the media. He assured that the chosen film will receive a financial grant from the Film Academy of the Philippines and the FDCP to support its promotions.
From the hundreds of entries, only 15 films will be shortlisted before selecting the final five nominees. "Importante na kilala na sa festivals," Reyes added. He noted that some films that may have an advantage are Hello, Love, Again, Green Bones, Sunshine, which premiered in the Toronto Film Festival and won the Crystal Bear award for Best Film in the 2025 Berlinale, and Food Delivery for its controversial topic on the Filipino fishermen in the West Philippine Sea.
And So It Begins, a documentary film by Ramon S. Diaz, was the Philippines' official entry to the 97th Oscars. However, it failed to secure a spot for the Best International Feature category.