7 Filipino Films About Women, All Directed by Women

For Women’s Month, Vogue Philippines looks at Filipino films about women and empowerment, all directed by women filmmakers.

March is Women’s Month, a time that highlights women’s rights and their presence across different fields. In Philippine cinema, many filmmakers have also explored this, showcasing life and society through the lens and experiences of many female characters. Some notable examples of this is the trilogy by National Artist Marilou Diaz-Abaya, Brutal, Moral, and Karnal, which examined the social realities faced by women in the Philippines. Or the hit film Sunshine, directed by Antonette Jadaone starring Maris Racal.

Vogue Philippines lists seven Filipino films about women that are directed by women, from landmark works in local cinema to more recent releases.

Brutal (1980)

Directed by National Artist Marilou-Diaz Abaya, Brutal follows journalist Ciara Valdez investigating Monica Real, a housewife who murdered her abusive husband, Tato, and his two friends. Monica refuses to speak while in custody, prompting Clara to uncover a backstory of forced marriage, sexual assault, and premeditated revenge against her attacker. Brutal won the Best Director and Best Actress (Amy Austria) at the 1980 Metro Manila Film Festival.

Moral (1982)

Served as the second installment in National Artist Marilou Diaz-Abaya loose trilogy of feminist films, Moral is a coming-of-age film about four friends, Joey, Kathy, Sylvia, and Maritess navigating relationships, sexuality, and professional ambitions in Manila. In the span of three years (1972-1982), the film traces the lives of these women through their attempts to resolve their individuality problems, without framing them as moral examples.

Karnal (1982)

The third and last installment of National Artist Marilou-Diaz Abaya film Karnal is a Filipino Gothic drama set in the 1930s that explore themes of patriarchy, incest, and obsession. When Narcing brings his city wife Puring to his hometown of Mulawin, they encounter his tyrannical father, Gusting, who becomes obsessed with Puring due to her resemblance to his late wife. Karnal won Best Director, Best Supporting Actress, and Best Production Design in the Film Academy of the Philippines Awards in 1983.

Sunday Beauty Queen (2016)

Directed by Baby Ruth Villarama, Sunday Beauty Queen is a 2016 documentary film following five Filipino domestic workers in Hong Kong who organize a beauty pageant on their day off. The film won Best Picture at the 2016 Metro Manila Film Festival, marking the first time a documentary won the award.

Lingua Franca (2019)

A story about a transgender Filima caregiver in New York, Lingua Franca follows Olivia as she seek legal stability while developing a romantic relationship with the grandson of the elderly woman she provides care for. Directed by Isabel Sandoval, it won the  2021 MAM Award for Best Full-Length Film, Best International Narrative at the 15th Tel Aviv International LGBT Film Festival, and Best Narrative Feature at the Bentonville Film Festival.

Babae at Baril (2019)

After experiencing difficult treatment from those around her, the story follows a department store saleswoman makes a drastic decision after finding a gun in an alleyway. Directed by Rae Red, she bagged the Best Director at the 43rd Gawad Urian Awards (2020) along with six other awards including Best Picture and Best Actress (Janine Gutierrez).

Sunshine (2024)

Starring Maris Racal, Sunshine follows a 19-year old girl pursuing competitive gymnastics and managing family expectations. The story explores ambition and personal growth from a child’s perspective, after her future hangs in the balance when she faces an unplanned pregnancy. Directed by Antoinette Jadaone, Sunshine won the Crystal Bear for Best Film in the Generation 14plus section at the 75th Berlin International Film Festival.