Filipino-Australian series Ina marks historic debut at Canneseries 2026

The Filipino-Australian series Ina, created by Rachel Maxine-Anderson, celebrated its world premiere at Canneseries 2026 as part of the festival’s Short Form Competition. The project holds a dual distinction: it was the only Australian production selected for competition this year and the first in the festival's history to center on the Filipino diaspora.

A Collision of Culture and Comedy
Set within the high-pressure environment of a television studio, Ina follows an ambitious producer named Madeline. The narrative arc centers on a chaotic day where Madeline is forced to cast her estranged mother as a guest chef on her struggling cooking show. This premise serves as a vehicle to explore:

Mother-daughter dynamics: The friction of personal history under professional pressure.

Cultural identity: The internal and external confusion faced by the diaspora.

Industry Critique: The commodification of diversity within the modern screen industry.

Shot in near-real-time, the series blurs the lines between workplace comedy and behind-the-scenes drama, offering an immersive look at the "beating hearts" behind the camera.

Global Launch and Industry Reception
The Ina delegation—including creator Rachel Maxine-Anderson, producer Rae Choi, and lead actors Lena Cruz and Triona Calimbayan-Giles—participated in a week of screenings and press events in Cannes.

Reflecting on the experience, Maxine-Anderson noted the impact of watching the story with an international audience for the first time: 'It was just amazing to feel these characters on screen and for real... to hear them laugh or to hear them react to something that you made'. Producer Rae Choi emphasized the "bravery" of the narrative, which confronts the deeply personal question of cultural belonging.

Following its successful festival run, Ina is scheduled for a global digital launch. The series will be available to audiences worldwide on YouTube starting June 12, 2026.

 

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