Queensland‑produced series Ina has been selected to premiere in competition at the Cannes International Series Festival (CANNESERIES), to be held from 23–28 April 2026 in Cannes, France. The series was filmed entirely in Queensland with financing support from Screen Australia and Screen Queensland.
Executive produced by Kerrin McNeil (also a Queensland Global Connector), Ina is a six part, short‑form Filipino‑Australian comedy‑drama created, written, directed and edited by Australian Filipino filmmaker Rachel Maxine Anderson.
The project is one of only six short‑form series selected globally for Official Competition at CANNESERIES in 2026 and is the only Australian series included in this year’s selection. It is also the first project at the festival to centre the Filipino diaspora.
Still from Ina (2026), created by Rachel Maxine Anderson
© 2026 Sweet Mess Productions Pty Ltd
Produced by Rae Choi (Limina Pictures) and Danielle Redford (Contra Stories), Ina stars Lena Cruz and introduces Triona Calimbayan‑Giles in her first leading role. Celebrated Filipino actress Ruby Ruiz is also attached as Executive Producer. A four‑member creative team, all Asian Australian women, will attend the festival for the premiere.
CANNESERIES is an annual international festival dedicated to showcasing television series from around the world.
Founded in 2018, it features long‑form, short‑form and documentary competitions, alongside premieres, talks and industry events, and takes place at the Palais des Festivals and along the Croisette.
Following its Cannes premiere, Ina is scheduled for online release via YouTube on 12 June 2026, to coincide with Philippines Independence Day.