Watch this: Filipiñana

Watch this: Filipiñana

Author: NPR September 8, 2026 Duration: 18:23
Are you tired of the same eat-the-rich narratives churned out by Hollywood? There is a great new film Filipiñana offering a new take about the inner-workings of a country club in the Philippines. It’s both beautiful to look at and an emotional gut-punch. From director Rafael Manuel, this film kind of feels like if Wes Anderson made an explicitly anti-colonialist satire.

If you want a few more stylish and biting films, check out these episodes: 
‘Is God Is’ interrogates misogyny in a vivid, scathing revenge tale
'If I Had Legs I'd Kick You' shows off Rose Byrne's dramatic chops
Keke Palmer steals the (fashion) scene in 'I Love Boosters'

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There’s always something new to watch, read, or listen to, and it can be overwhelming to sort through it all. That’s where Pop Culture Happy Hour comes in. Produced by NPR, this lively conversation is hosted by arts journalists Linda Holmes, Glen Weldon, Stephen Thompson, and Aisha Harris, who are joined each week by a rotating cast of insightful guests. They don’t just deliver hot takes; they gather around a virtual table to share genuine, often differing, reactions to everything from blockbuster films and buzzy TV shows to the latest books, video games, and music. What you’ll hear in this podcast is the kind of thoughtful, engaging discussion that happens among friends who are deeply knowledgeable about entertainment. Released four days a week, each episode feels like dropping in on a smart, funny chat that helps you decide what’s worth your time and why. It’s a space that celebrates both the highbrow and the happily lowbrow corners of the pop culture universe, making sense of the endless stream of new releases with warmth and critical curiosity. Tuning in is less about getting a simple recommendation and more about joining a nuanced conversation that enriches how you experience the stories and art all around us.
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