Filipino director Rafael Manuel debuts his feature film debut at the Pingyao International Film Festival

China News Service, Shanxi, Pingyao, September 27 (Reporter Hu Jian) ​​"The first week of shooting is not to make things perfect, but to bridge the gap between expectations and reality." Philippine director Rafael Manuel relayed the advice given by Chinese director Jia Zhangke on the eve of the launch of his feature film debut at the press conference of the 10th Pingyao International Film Festival on the 27th. He said that this sentence is "not only useful for making movies, but also a wise saying in life."

On September 27, Filipino director Rafael Manuel attended the press conference of the 10th Pingyao International Film Festival. (Photo courtesy of the organizing committee)

The Philippine film "Filipino Girl" produced by Jia Zhangke had its Asian premiere at the 10th Pingyao International Film Festival. The film is Rafael Manuel's first feature film. The film tells a story about class and power through the daily life of a girl playing golf at a golf resort outside Manila, Philippines.

Manuel said that the script of the film was written six or seven years ago. Due to lack of funds, a short film of the same name was first shot. The short film won the Silver Bear Short Film Award at the Berlin International Film Festival and was shortlisted for several international film festivals.

In 2022, Manuel was selected into the Rolex "Creative Art Recommendation Funding Program" and became Jia Zhangke's film "protégé". Jia Zhangke served as his mentor for more than two years and later served as the film's producer. "Director Jia Zhangke has given me a lot of help. We often discuss things other than movies. The time spent with Director Jia is a cherished time in my film career." Manuel said.

Not long ago, the Philippine Film Academy announced that "Filipino Girl" will compete for the best international film at the 99th U.S. Oscars as the country's representative. (over)