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FEMININO-menal

Filipino Feminist Movies To Watch

Featuring Films directed by Marilou Diaz-Abaya and Lino Brocka

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Francesca Agustin

Published: June 12, 2025

Ladies, you know what I mean…

 

When it comes to powerful portrayals of women in the Philippines, these feminist film classics continue to spark conversation, challenge Filipino societal norms, and remind us of the strength, resilience, and complexities that come with being a woman in the Philippines. 

 

These films were made and released decades ago, but watching them poses an important question: Were these films truly ahead of their time, or are we simply standing still, or worse, moving backward as a society?

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And that’s what makes them totally worth watching.

Here are 3 Filipino Feminist Movie Classics You NEED to watch:

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Photo from: Asia Society 

The groundbreaking film is the second movie that features the works of two National Artists, Director Marilou Diaz-Abaya and Writer Ricky Lee. This film explores the drama that boldly addresses the lives of four Filipino women navigating love, sexuality, career, and identity in a conservative and belief-heavy society. It confronts the taboo topics like abortion, sexual liberation, and stereotypical gender roles. With its raw, realistic, and fearless storytelling, Moral remains relevant today.

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Photo from: San Diego Filipino Film Festival 

The third collaboration between Marilou Diaz-Abaya and Ricky Lee centers on the lives of women. Karnal is a haunting story of power, control, and gendered violence. When newlyweds Narcing and Puring return to Narcing’s provincial town in “Mulawin,” they are quickly pulled into a world of patriarchal dominance, buried familiar secrets, and repressed desires. This film explores the drama that dissects the toxic roots of machismo and its devastating impact on women, particularly traditional Filipino women. Through Puring’s perspective, we can witness the suffocating weight of the Filipino tradition and the silent rebellion that builds in silence. 

Photo from: Janus Films

The last featured film is directed by the legendary Lino Brocka and written by Lamberto E. Antonio and Mario O'Hara. Insiang was the first Filipino movie to be screened at Cannes under the Directors’ Fortnight section. The film centers on a young woman living in the slums of Manila, who endured betrayals, abuse, and exploitation from those closest to her. But Insiang refuses to be the victim in her story because her story is one of survival, strength, and revenge. This is a raw portrayal of the social and emotional toll of poverty and misogyny. Even decades later, Insiang still resonates, maybe not realistically speaking, but still painfully relevant.

So if you are looking for something that will inspire you, challenge your beliefs, and fire you up, not just as a woman, but as a person. Watch these FEMININO-menal Filipino feminist movie classics!

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Francesca Agustin is a witty content writer with a strong passion for women and gender issues, best known for her piece “Feminino-menal: Filipino Feminist Movies to Watch.” Blending humor with a sharp feminist perspective, she highlights stories that both empower women and captivate audiences.

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