ABS-CBN and FilAm Creative Launch “THE CROSSING: Finding Our Way Home Through Stories” A Global Anthology Series Celebrating Filipino Filmmakers and Stories
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ABS-CBN and FilAm Creative Launch “THE CROSSING: Finding Our Way Home Through Stories” A Global Anthology Series Celebrating Filipino Filmmakers and Stories
Los Angeles, CA — June 7, 2026 — ABS-CBN and FilAm Creative today announced THE CROSSING: Finding Our Way Home Through Stories, a new anthology series celebrating the creative vision of Filipino filmmakers and Filipino-centered storytelling through narrative films, documentaries, experimental projects, and music-centered storytelling.
Drawn from the FilAm Creative Film Festival of Los Angeles, the 24-part curated series will air internationally across ABS-CBN’s global platforms, including The Filipino Channel (TFC), MYX, ANC, and Cinemo.
THE CROSSING explores themes of identity, migration, memory, and belonging - offering intimate and boldly personal narratives that reflect the global Filipino experience. Each episode groups films thematically, creating a tapestry of stories that bridge cultures, generations, and perspectives.
“This partnership is about visibility and opportunity,” said FilAm Creative leadership. “So many talented filmmakers in our community deserve a global platform, and through ABS-CBN, these stories can now reach audiences around the world.”
“Through this partnership with FilAm Creative, we continue to strengthen our commitment to championing Filipino and Fil-Am storytelling that resonates across generations and borders,” said Jun Del Rosario, COO, ABS-CBN Global. “By bringing these original and authentic stories to ABS-CBN Global platforms, we hope to amplify diverse creative voices, celebrate the richness of our shared culture, and provide meaningful content experiences for Filipinos and global audiences everywhere”.
The anthology includes 50 narratives, documentaries, and experimental projects. Additional information regarding the curated episodes and participating filmmakers appears below.
ABOUT ABS-CBN
ABS-CBN Global is the international subsidiary of ABS-CBN Corporation, the Philippines’ leading content provider. With a commitment to serve Filipinos worldwide, ABS-CBN Global delivers innovative content, programming, and experiences across multiple platforms, bringing the best of Filipino entertainment to audiences around the globe.
The ABS-CBN leadership heading this initiative with FilAm Creative are Jun Del Rosario, Maribel Hernaez, Pam Castillo, Michael Allen Tolentino, Amabel Anne Acosta, Bianca Feather, Dexter Baquir, Eugene Karlos Laudit, Arlene Z. Bismonte, Giselle Marie D. Bataller.
ABOUT FILAM CREATIVE
FilAm Creative (FAC), founded in 2010, is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization based in Los Angeles. FAC educates and advocates for the creative community to achieve greater representation and career advancement. Through educational programs and networking events, we empower people to hone their craft, advance their careers, and step into leadership. 16 years later, FAC stands strong with year-round programming, including the annual four day event in September - the FilAm Creative Film Festival (FACFF).
The FilAm Creative leadership team heading this initiative with ABS-CBN are Angel Quinsay (FAC COO), Grace Santos (FAC Board of Directors), Randal Kamradt (FACFF Co-Head of Programming), and Rommel Rojas (FACFF Co-Supervisor of Operations). The videographers and editors leading the marketing materials are Juan Ramos, Nilo Sembrano, and S. Roy Saringo. The marketing and social media managers are Ella-Rose Hugo & Ciara McCarthy.
INTERNATIONAL AIRING
The series will air across multiple international regions through TFC, including North America, EMEA, and APAC programming blocks.
TFC Airing Times
Starting June 13, 2026
North America: Sundays at 11 pm Pacific
EMEA: Saturdays at 4:45 pm Saudi / 3:45 pm Madrid
APAC: Saturdays at 9:45 pm Asia / 11:45 pm Guam
MYX Programming
The initiative will also feature music video programming and documentary content on MYX, including recurring broadcasts and playlist rotation.
ANC Programming
Select documentary titles will air weekly on ANC.
Cinemo Programming
Select titles will air weekly on Cinemo.
24 episodes
Saturdays and Sundays
June 13 through October 2026
SERIES OVERVIEW
Episode 1: Echoes of Heritage
Episode 1: Echoes of Heritage
Celebrates Filipino culture, history, superstition, and family heritage, preserving shared stories that deepen cultural understanding and strengthen connections across generations.
Taga
When western volunteers spurn the customs of a rural Filipino community, an ancient evil comes knocking. Directed/Written by Jill Marie Sachs. Producers Kristine De Leon, Joyce Liu Countryman, Louise Barretto, Jill Sachs. Actors: Kim Adis, Lisa Jacqueline Starrett, Ian Peterson, Joey Scoma, Bong Cabrera.
Taimis
When an affluent mestiza and a budding rebel fall head over heels for each other, a decade-long struggle between love and duty ensues; Taimis is a historical fiction short film narrated in music that tells the infamous tragic love affair of Leonor Rivera and Jose Rizal. Writer/Director/Producers: Janelle Precious Rose Huang, Aaron Clark Crisostomo, Alexa Reign Nuestro. Actors: Aura Payawan, Jeremy Mayores, James Huidem, Mary Melody Remorca.
How Much Filipino
A creative look at family history and personal identity, featuring family photos, animation, and music that blends modern sounds with traditional Filipino instruments. Directed/Written by Greg Roensch. Original Score Theresa Calpotura.
Walking in Tupi
A walk through a village and an archive. Directed/Written by Amanda L. Andrei.
Episode 2: Modern Connections:
Episode 2: Modern Connections
A collection of films that reflect the evolving nature of human relationships, shaped by intimacy, distance, and the influence of technology.
Augmented
An adventure into an augmented alternate reality video game becomes deadly when a gamer discovers that the paranormal may be real. Directed/Written by Matthew Abaya. Produced by Ralph Frederick Briones, Susie Willemsz-Geeroms, Matthew Abaya. Actors: Patrick Flores, Micheal (DJ Kamikaze) Suelen, Matthew Abaya, Kaitlin Briones.
Desync
A young Filipina filmmaker attempts to overwrite a painful memory of her mother with a perfect narrative. Directed by Minerva Navasca. Written by Chen Sing Yap, Minerva Navasca. Produced by Asa Kazerani. Actors Jadyn Nasato, Jennifer Villaverde, Angelica Alejandro, Tatiana Ashton.
Lola
A thirteen-year-old science prodigy journeys into her grandma's deteriorating mind to save one precious memory they have together. Directed by Grace Hanna. Written by Grace Hanna, Derek Manansala, Duke Yang. Produced by Derek Manansala. Actors: Ren Hanami, Jovie Leigh, Eva Noblezada.
Thank You for Breaking My Heart
A heartbroken artist seeks to end her life with the Administration of Souls in Sorrow (ASS); she dives into her past relationship through nostalgic home videos that spark a new vision of love and loss in this lifetime. Directed/Written by Rachel Leyco. Produced by Shannon Little, Meghan Maddigan, Georgina Navarro. Actors Rachel Leyco, Jurnee Woo, Alexandra Siegel, Joi Orbe Brown, Haven Everly, Saydee Dickinson.
Episode 3: Flame On!
Episode 3: Flame On!
Stories of courage, sacrifice, tradition, and defiance collide in the fight to protect family, heritage, and the world we live in.
Bonifacio
In a bustling neighborhood in Manila, single father, Bonifacio “Boni” Garcia struggles to read while his young son is top of his class. Wanting to better himself, he returns to first grade, blurring the lines between who is raising who between him and his son. Directed/Written by Grace Simbulan. Produced by Maita Lupac. Actors: Lito Pimentel, Sue Prado, Solomon Mark De Guzman.
Lola Mama Nanay
Through reliving formative moments with her grandmother, a young woman learns that not all is lost when someone is gone. Directed by Tyaela Nieves. Written by Sophie Yukimi Gorai. Produced by Sophie Yukimi Gorai, Tyaela Nieves, Elizabeth Powell Gorai. Actors: Sophie Yukimi Gorai, Nora (Mama) Sangalang, Leanne Parks, Riley Squires.
Tails from the Wild: The Outback
In this nature mockumentary, we follow an innocuous koala that becomes the most infamous animal in the Australian Outback. Directed/Written by Mark Villagracia. Produced by Marvin Villagracia.
Reach Out
In an intergenerational collaboration between Los Angeles-based band Bootleg Orchestra and singer Roger Rigor from iconic Filipino band VST & Co, this short documentary explores the creative process of producing a song that calls for international solidarity for climate justice and highlights the role of music in giving life to a movement. Directed by John Zafra Haas. Written by Menchie Caliboso. Produced by Menchie Caliboso, Joanne Danganan. Actors Vanessa Acosta, Menchie Caliboso, Andrew Dickson, Roger Rigor.
Episode 4: Pinoys Abroad
Episode 4: Pinoys Abroad
Stories capturing the sacrifices, resilience, and triumphs of Filipino immigrants building lives far from home.
A Karaoke Space Odyssey
In this campy sci-fi rom-com musical, Stella, an undocumented Filipino in pursuit of a green card, goes on a wild karaoke date with a goofy white man. Directed by Achim Mendoza. Written by Achim Mendoza, Bobbie Green. Produced by Sayali Upadhye, Bobbie Green. Actors Hazel Lozano, Alex Blue Davis, Iya Baclagan.
Diminishing Returns
$80 due today. Out of time and out of options, Ernesto keeps a positive outlook while he hunts the streets and dumpsters of LA in the hope of finding enough recyclables to pay for his daughter’s chemo treatment back home in the Philippines. Directed/Written by Colin Whitman. Produced by Colin Whitman, Aleksandar Jovic, Alison Messinger. Starring Ernesto Bagayas.
America is Amazing, Mom
A young filipina celebrates her birthday away from home for the first time. Directed/Written/Produced by Debbie Su. Starring Elayne Cayas.
Dahil Sa’yo (Because of You)
Tells the story of a Filipino immigrant father teaching his son a game of running to the store for coconut juice, while also teaching him self-reliance and love. Directed/Written by Isabella Andaya. Produced by Stanford University's Honors in the Arts Program, Evie Abat, Mari Muscio. Actors: Ben DeCastro, Ronen Felix, Frangello Yadeo.
Time Crisis
Three times a week, Eddie Esguerra goes to Los Angeles arcades to play Time Crisis. Day after day, he hones his unique ability to play alone in two-player mode. As we follow Eddie, we learn that his ultimate goal is not just to master the game, but to make friends and find a community. Directed by Brooke Palmieri, Zac Weathers. Produced by Brooke Palmieri, Zac Weathers, Sean Huntley, Sam Sandweiss. Starring Eddie Esguerra.
Episode 5: I-DENTITY
Episode 5: I-DENTITY
A curated exploration of self-understanding and self-love, shaped as a journey where the “I”, after long exploration, ultimately becomes the “Me”
Everything Good
Gabi has to deliver some disappointing news to her family. To curb her anxiety, she enlists the help of her mischievous cousin and some psychedelics. Directed/Written by Roni Canieso. Produced by Arlyn Dela Pena, Iya Baclagan. Actors Iya Baclagan, Ashley Rapuano Sanchez, Derek Basco.
Brain Dump
When you beg your mind to stop thinking, what are you trying to suppress? Directed by Iya Baclagan & Francisco Yun. Written by Iya Baclagan. Produced by Iya Baclagan, Francisco Yun, Dom Leis, Kirby Ortego, Roni Canieso. Actors: Iya Baclagan, Shyhiem Parker, Jasper Capalad.
Rubenesque
Reese, a plus-size high school senior, grapples with self-acceptance in a world of unrealistic beauty standards while navigating the turmoil of a toxic friendship. Directed/Written by Shanaya Coloma. Produced by Christian George, Lawrence Marquez, Akhila Bordag. Actors: Dominique Hembrador, Jacqueline Reza, Joy Arzaga, Lauren Caputo.
FRUIT: A Short Film
A short film about fruit. Directed, Written, Produced by Ella Espiritu. Actors: Ella Espiritu, Ella Jackson, Ray Osiris Stein-Alvarado, Annelise Seligman, Emilio Whitaker-Castañeda.
The Strawberries
After a woman sees a baby eating expensive strawberries, her envy takes the form of a moldy strawberry monster who terrorizes her. Directed by Nicholas Luciano. Written by Amalia Aquino. Produced by Bobbie Lucas, Julia Schmidt, Joy Regullano, Amalia Aquino. Actors Anisa Khamvongsa, Kosei Suzuki, Allyn Pintal, Liz McDonnell.
Episode 6: Family Affair
Episode 6: Family Affair
A curated selection of stories that explore the complexities of family life, grounded in love, sacrifice, and the struggle to understand one another.
Three Ates and a Wedding
Three vastly different sisters try to make it through their younger brother’s chaotic Filipino-Canadian wedding. When one of them steals a family heirloom, they must put it back without their overbearing mother noticing. Directed/Written by Kevin Ang. Produced by Phil Planta, Mik Narciso, Carlo Fortin, Hannah Yang, Kevin Ang. Actors Loruiza Tronco, Lumen Beltran, Mae Belen, Sigrid Pareja.
Ki and Marc
Ki and Marc live out their Americana music video dreams in their beat-up vintage Mercedes, cruising through neighborhoods selling beat-up audio gear. The fantasy. But one day, Ki stumbles upon her Filipino birth mother’s hometown and is forced to confront a difficult decision. Directed/Written by John Geronilla. Produced by Vivien Rodriguez. Actors Janessa Floyd, Elaine Ackles.
Party Favor
A Filipino American woman grapples with going behind her strict Catholic sister's back to buy condoms for her 14-year-old niece. Directed/Written by Yasmine Gomez. Produced by Yasmine Gomez, Marisa Marquez. Actors: Catherine Ricafort McCreary, Sara Rahman, Kim Berrios Lin, Bing Agnes Magtoto, Jacques Mitchell, Donovan Monzon-Sanders, Jared Szafman, Ethan Jones, Pierre Macaso.
Episode 7: Currents of Conflicts
Episode 7: Currents of Conflicts
Ambition, survival, and hidden truths collide as lives are pushed to the edge of violence, betrayal, and the difficult choices shaped by conflict and desperation.
A Sweet Tooth
A driven Filipino American analyst who believes hard work guarantees success begins to unravel after losing a long-awaited promotion, only to face a violent intruder who forces him to confront the man he is becoming. Directed by Presley Paras. Written by Presley Paras & Jason Daly. Produced by Russ Whaley, AJ Calomay, Mike Talplacido, Joe Daly, Jason Daly. Actors: Carlin James, James Lontayao, Lee Donoghue.
No Dogs
On the night of January 29th 1930 in Watsonville, a Filipino clubhouse was bombed. Directed by Randal Kamradt. Written by Georgina Tolentino, Alex Fabros. Produced by Georgina Tolentino. Actors Georgina Tolentino, Ian Coleman.
Palibut-Ibot
A money trail intertwines a set of people’s lives as they struggle to survive in a city riddled with corruption and despair. Directed/Written by San-San Onglatco. Produced by Ian Cuizon. Actors Trency Caaganan, Jarden de Guzman, Frances Makil-Ignacio, Missy Maramara, Xander Soriano.
Velvet Sky
A young Filipino filmmaker joins his idol's acting class, only to realize that his jealous mentor plans to humiliate him. Directed/Written by Charles Jon Gray. Actors: Reuben Uy, Jasper Capalad, Kelsey Tuma.
Episode 8: Fragments of Time
Episode 8: Fragments of Time
Stories that explore connection, change, and the moments that quietly shape people’s lives across different times and places.
Ang Huling Adobo
In the face of a devastating diagnosis, a Filipino man turns to cooking Chicken Adobo to reconnect with his heritage and find solace in the traditions of his ancestors. Directed by Juan Raymundo Ramos. Written by Juan Raymundo Ramos, Raymund Ramos, Mark Labella, Rasec Marc. Produced by Nicholas James Barber. Actors Mark Labella, Alex Pedron Sr., Olga Natividad.
Pepper Soup
An immigration story told through food. Directed/Written/Produced by Emmanuel Munda. Starring Reynaldo P. Munda.
Voices
A group of college besties find their way through adult life with the help of a strange ability: to hear each other's inner voices. Directed/Written by Randal & Malou Kamradt. Produced by Garth Garcia. Actors Garth Garcia, Rebecca Teresia, Julian Bataclan, Edward J Mallillin.
Episode 9: Tidal Feelings
Loss, identity, longing, and change come together through quiet yet powerful moments, reflecting the emotions that rise and fall through different stages of life.
Joyrider
A little boy's journey against the winds of change. Directed, Written, Produced by Sebastien Tobler. Actors Ronin Tobler, Tara Tobler, Sebastien Tobler and Garrett O'Brien.
Self Storage
An estranged mother and daughter go through their late loved one's self-storage unit to discover some lost items that spark up memories of the past, revealing feelings that they have kept stored inside. Directed/Written/Produced by Rommel Andaya. Actors Princess Punzalan, Jaclyn Aimee, Reuben Uy Janine Oda, Faith Toledo.
The Five Legged Ant
A product of depression, art and longing. This is a short story about the struggle of an ant presented in a uniquely dramatic, cinematic language. Directed/Written by Lawrence Ramirez.
Glimmer
After receiving an unexpected phone call from their mother, Javi and Elsa must cope with the loss of their traditional immigrant grandmother while finding themselves in the process. Written, Directed, Produced by Arianna Basco. Actors Arianna Basco, Fei Hernandez, Rosario Dawson.
Jake, the Failure
A struggling parking attendant pursuing his dream of becoming a writer spirals into isolation and self-doubt, forcing him to confront whether his life still holds meaning. Directed, Written, Produced by Julian Sibal. Actors Andi Rexha, Ethan Herisse, Emily Arrington.
Episode 10: Under One Roof
A curated collection of short films that explores the struggles, conflicts, and unbreakable ties within every family.
Remittance
A man struggles to find the balance between his responsibilities to his family in the Philippines and the new family he's found in the United States. Directed/Written by Ashleigh Coffelt. Produced by Ashleigh Coffelt, Courtney Birk. Actors: Lawrence Sharma, Courtney Birk, Earl Baylon, Cami Storm.
Paco
A Filipino immigrant struggles to maintain his façade of success in Vancouver when his family in Manila asks for a hard favour. Directed by Kent Donguines. Written by Kent Donguines & Moira Tani. Produced by Kent Donguines, Geoff Manton, Sebastien Galina. Actors: Edward Escobal, Jason Asuncion, Chrystelle Olivares, Sheree Ann Morgan, Jane White.
The Perfect Couple
A seemingly perfect Filipino American match turns into a wildly chaotic wedding. Directed by Enrico Banson. Written and Produced by Mike Talplacido. Actors Princess Punzalan, Camille Aragon, Julian Bataclan, Aaron Dumas.
Episode 11: Beyond the Binary
LGBTQ+ narratives exploring love, identity, and self-acceptance.
Silim
A travel influencer with millions of followers but no one to call escapes to the Philippines for Christmas, where one sleepless night forces him to confront the grief, guilt, and love he’s buried beneath his online persona. Directed by Alexander De Ocampo. Written by Alexander De Ocampo & Jordan Mahr. Produced by Alexander De Ocampo. Actors Jordan Mahr and Jay Gonzaga.
ANG HULING SAYAW (The Late Checkout)
A middle-aged widower and a 30-something runaway secretly meet at a hotel one stormy night. The two bond in a way, they would've never expected. Directed by Edrian Melchor Formento Pangilinan. Written by Edrian Pangilinan. Produced by Edrian Pangilinan, Maria Isabel Lopez, Marygian Rebullar, Julian Bataclan, Gina Santos. Actors Earl Paus, Frank Kensaku Saragosa, Maria Isabel Lopez.
Time Before Kevin
Haunted by the crippling scars of his past with his father, Kevin races against time as he builds a mind-bending time machine, desperately seeking to rescue his vulnerable younger self before it's too late. Directed/Written by Raine Joshua Gado. Produced by Jonathan R. Enerva. Hailey Taguian, Uno Velasco, Adonis Galvez, Chenoa Quinn Gado, Prince España, Anton Nolasco.
Centerpiece
Months after a bad break up, the alcoholic boyfriend visits his hardworking lover to own up his past mistakes and confess a life changing truth. Directed by Elisa Richards. Written/Produced by and Starring Rommel Rojas & Julio Vega.
First You Then I
A woman finds herself caught in a toxic relationship, struggling between fighting for herself or disconnecting from the one she loves. Directed by Ashleigh Coffelt. Written by Courtney Birk, Ashleigh Coffelt. Produced by Courtney Birk, Ashleigh Coffelt, Zach Lambe. Actors Courtney Birk, Drea Castro, Sarah Busic.
Episode 12: Night Shade
A curated selection of films for Ghost Month that explore the shadows of night and the darkness of the mind, drawing viewers into suspense and unease.
Taga
When western volunteers spurn the customs of a rural Filipino community, an ancient evil comes knocking. Directed/Written by Jill Marie Sachs. Producers Kristine De Leon, Joyce Liu Countryman, Louise Barretto, Jill Sachs. Actors: Kim Adis, Lisa Jacqueline Starrett, Ian Peterson, Joey Scoma, Bong Cabrera
Augmented
An adventure into an augmented alternate reality video game becomes deadly when a gamer discovers that the paranormal may be real. Directed/Written by Matthew Abaya. Produced by Ralph Frederick Briones, Susie Willemsz-Geeroms, Matthew Abaya. Actors: Patrick Flores, Micheal (DJ Kamikaze) Suelen, Matthew Abaya, Kaitlin Briones.
Spam Fried Rice
When a tender-hearted man lashes out at his boss, a deceptively simple home-cooked meal from his pregnant fiancée throws him into a spiral of guilt, secrets, and stomach-turning revelations. Directed/Written by Jaclyn Aimee. Produced by AJ Calomay, Vivian Matito, Jaclyn Aimee. Actor(s): Zedrick Restauro, Jaclyn Aimee, Josh Han, Brian McGrath.
The Strawberries
After a woman sees a baby eating expensive strawberries, her envy takes the form of a moldy strawberry monster who terrorizes her. Directed by Nicholas Luciano. Written by Amalia Aquino. Produced by Bobbie Lucas, Julia Schmidt, Joy Regullano, Amalia Aquino. Actors Anisa Khamvongsa, Kosei Suzuki, Allyn Pintal, Liz McDonnell.
Episode 13: Past Present
A collection of films that reveal how echoes of the past shape the present through memory, wisdom, and lived experience.
Dahil Sa’yo (Because of You)
Tells the story of a Filipino immigrant father teaching his son a game of running to the store for coconut juice, while also teaching him self-reliance and love. Directed/Written by Isabella Andaya. Produced by Stanford University's Honors in the Arts Program, Evie Abat, Mari Muscio. Actors: Ben DeCastro, Ronen Felix, Frangello Yadeo.
Lola
A thirteen-year-old science prodigy journeys into her grandma's deteriorating mind to save one precious memory they have together. Directed by Grace Hanna. Written by Grace Hanna, Derek Manansala, Duke Yang. Produced by Derek Manansala. Actors: Ren Hanami, Jovie Leigh, Eva Noblezada.
Thank You for Breaking My Heart
A heartbroken artist seeks to end her life with the Administration of Souls in Sorrow (ASS); she dives into her past relationship through nostalgic home videos that spark a new vision of love and loss in this lifetime. Directed/Written by Rachel Leyco. Produced by Shannon Little, Meghan Maddigan, Georgina Navarro. Actors Rachel Leyco, Jurnee Woo, Alexandra Siegel, Joi Orbe Brown, Haven Everly, Saydee Dickinson.
Desync
A young Filipina filmmaker attempts to overwrite a painful memory of her mother with a perfect narrative. Directed by Minerva Navasca. Written by Chen Sing Yap, Minerva Navasca. Produced by Asa Kazerani. Actors Jadyn Nasato, Jennifer Villaverde, Angelica Alejandro, Tatiana Ashton.
Lola Mama Nanay
Through reliving formative moments with her grandmother, a young woman learns that not all is lost when someone is gone. Directed by Tyaela Nieves. Written by Sophie Yukimi Gorai. Produced by Sophie Yukimi Gorai, Tyaela Nieves, Elizabeth Powell Gorai. Actors: Sophie Yukimi Gorai, Nora (Mama) Sangalang, Leanne Parks, Riley Squires.
Episode 14: Laughs & Chaos
A collection of films where disorder meets humor, delivering wild, unpredictable, and laugh-driven storytelling.
Party Favor
A Filipino American woman grapples with going behind her strict Catholic sister's back to buy condoms for her 14-year-old niece. Directed/Written by Yasmine Gomez. Produced by Yasmine Gomez, Marisa Marquez. Actors: Catherine Ricafort McCreary, Sara Rahman, Kim Berrios Lin, Bing Agnes Magtoto, Jacques Mitchell, Donovan Monzon-Sanders, Jared Szafman, Ethan Jones, Pierre Macaso.
Three Ates and a Wedding
Three vastly different sisters try to make it through their younger brother’s chaotic Filipino-Canadian wedding. When one of them steals a family heirloom, they must put it back without their overbearing mother noticing. Directed/Written by Kevin Ang. Produced by Phil Planta, Mik Narciso, Carlo Fortin, Hannah Yang, Kevin Ang. Actors Loruiza Tronco, Lumen Beltran, Mae Belen, Sigrid Pareja.
Everything Good
Gabi has to deliver some disappointing news to her family. To curb her anxiety, she enlists the help of her mischievous cousin and some psychedelics. Directed/Written by Roni Canieso. Produced by Arlyn Dela Pena, Iya Baclagan. Actors Iya Baclagan, Ashley Rapuano Sanchez, Derek Basco.
Brain Dump
When you beg your mind to stop thinking, what are you trying to suppress? Directed by Iya Baclagan & Francisco Yun. Written by Iya Baclagan. Produced by Iya Baclagan, Francisco Yun, Dom Leis, Kirby Ortego, Roni Canieso. Actors: Iya Baclagan, Shyhiem Parker, Jasper Capalad.
Episode 15: Bottled Up
A collection of films about lives pushed to the edge, exposing tension, pressure, and the weight of unspoken emotion.
Spam Fried Rice
When a tender-hearted man lashes out at his boss, a deceptively simple home-cooked meal from his pregnant fiancée throws him into a spiral of guilt, secrets, and stomach-turning revelations. Directed/Written by Jaclyn Aimee. Produced by AJ Calomay, Vivian Matito, Jaclyn Aimee. Actor(s): Zedrick Restauro, Jaclyn Aimee, Josh Han, Brian McGrath.
America is Amazing, Mom
A young filipina celebrates her birthday away from home for the first time. Directed/Written/Produced by Debbie Su. Starring Elayne Cayas.
Dad’s Gone Wild
An older, subdued man trades his former tame lifestyle for a walk on the wild side after the death of his beloved wife. Directed/Written by Evie Abat. Produced by Evie Abat, Chrissy Bergeron, Mari Muscio. Actors: Elmor C. Garlitos, Marita de Lara, Ina Dahilig, Jennifer Lynn O'Hara, Josette Archer, Robert Santi, Geo Sargent, Lorna Silva, Marcel Licera.
Bonifacio
In a bustling neighborhood in Manila, single father, Bonifacio “Boni” Garcia struggles to read while his young son is top of his class. Wanting to better himself, he returns to first grade, blurring the lines between who is raising who between him and his son. Directed/Written by Grace Simbulan. Produced by Maita Lupac. Actors: Lito Pimentel, Sue Prado, Solomon Mark De Guzman.
Rubenesque
Reese, a plus-size high school senior, grapples with self-acceptance in a world of unrealistic beauty standards while navigating the turmoil of a toxic friendship. Written/Directed by Shanaya Coloma. Produced by Christian George, Lawrence Marquez, Akhila Bordag. Actors: Dominique Hembrador, Jacqueline Reza, Joy Arzaga, Lauren Caputo.
Episode 16: Reel Life
A curated collection of films that reflect real life on screen, portraying struggle, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of purpose.
Reach Out
In an intergenerational collaboration between Los Angeles-based band Bootleg Orchestra and singer Roger Rigor from iconic Filipino band VST & Co, this short documentary explores the creative process of producing a song that calls for international solidarity for climate justice and highlights the role of music in giving life to a movement. Directed by John Zafra Haas. Written by Menchie Caliboso. Produced by Menchie Caliboso, Joanne Danganan. Actors Vanessa Acosta, Menchie Caliboso, Andrew Dickson, Roger Rigor.
Time Crisis
Three times a week, Eddie Esguerra goes to Los Angeles arcades to play Time Crisis. Day after day, he hones his unique ability to play alone in two-player mode. As we follow Eddie, we learn that his ultimate goal is not just to master the game, but to make friends and find a community. Directed by Brooke Palmieri, Zac Weathers. Produced by Brooke Palmieri, Zac Weathers, Sean Huntley, Sam Sandweiss. Starring Eddie Esguerra.
Diminishing Returns
$80 due today. Out of time and out of options, Ernesto keeps a positive outlook while he hunts the streets and dumpsters of LA in the hope of finding enough recyclables to pay for his daughter’s chemo treatment back home in the Philippines. Directed/Written by Colin Whitman. Produced by Colin Whitman, Aleksandar Jovic, Alison Messinger. Starring Ernesto Bagayas.
Episode 17: The Visual Feast
A curated cluster of films focused on visual-first storytelling, animation, and graphic-driven style.
Tails from the Wild: The Outback
In this nature mockumentary, we follow an innocuous koala that becomes the most infamous animal in the Australian Outback. Directed/Written by Mark Villagracia. Produced by Marvin Villagracia.
A Karaoke Space Odyssey
In this campy sci-fi rom-com musical, Stella, an undocumented Filipino in pursuit of a green card, goes on a wild karaoke date with a goofy white man. Directed by Achim Mendoza. Written by Achim Mendoza, Bobbie Green. Produced by Sayali Upadhye, Bobbie Green. Actors Hazel Lozano, Alex Blue Davis, Iya Baclagan.
FRUIT: A Short Film
A short film about fruit. Directed, Written, Produced by Ella Espiritu. Actors: Ella Espiritu, Ella Jackson, Ray Osiris Stein-Alvarado, Annelise Seligman, Emilio Whitaker-Castañeda.
How Much Filipino
A creative look at family history and personal identity, featuring family photos, animation, and music that blends modern sounds with traditional Filipino instruments. Directed/Written by Greg Roensch. Original Score Theresa Calpotura.
Walking in Tupi
A walk through a village and an archive. Directed/Written by Amanda L. Andrei.
Episode 18: Moving Forward
A collection of films about facing the past, confronting pain, and finding the strength to begin again.
Dad’s Gone Wild
An older, subdued man trades his former tame lifestyle for a walk on the wild side after the death of his beloved wife. Directed/Written by Evie Abat. Produced by Evie Abat, Chrissy Bergeron, Mari Muscio. Actors: Elmor C. Garlitos, Marita de Lara, Ina Dahilig, Jennifer Lynn O'Hara, Josette Archer, Robert Santi, Geo Sargent, Lorna Silva, Marcel Licera.
Taimis
When an affluent mestiza and a budding rebel fall head over heels for each other, a decade-long struggle between love and duty ensues; Taimis is a historical fiction short film narrated in music that tells the infamous tragic love affair of Leonor Rivera and Jose Rizal. Writer/Director/Producers: Janelle Precious Rose Huang, Aaron Clark Crisostomo, Alexa Reign Nuestro. Actors: Aura Payawan, Jeremy Mayores, James Huidem, Mary Melody Remorca.
Ki and Marc
Ki and Marc live out their Americana music video dreams in their beat-up vintage Mercedes, cruising through neighborhoods selling beat-up audio gear. The fantasy. But one day, Ki stumbles upon her Filipino birth mother’s hometown and is forced to confront a difficult decision. Directed/Written by John Geronilla. Produced by Vivien Rodriguez. Actors Janessa Floyd, Elaine Ackles.
Episode 19: Weight of Expectations
People struggling under family obligations, ambition, and societal pressure.
Jake, the Failure
A struggling parking attendant pursuing his dream of becoming a writer spirals into isolation and self-doubt, forcing him to confront whether his life still holds meaning. Directed, Written, Produced by Julian Sibal. Actors Andi Rexha, Ethan Herisse, Emily Arrington.
Paco
A Filipino immigrant struggles to maintain his façade of success in Vancouver when his family in Manila asks for a hard favour. Directed by Kent Donguines. Written by Kent Donguines & Moira Tani. Produced by Kent Donguines, Geoff Manton, Sebastien Galina. Actors: Edward Escobal, Jason Asuncion, Chrystelle Olivares, Sheree Ann Morgan, Jane White.
Velvet Sky
A young Filipino filmmaker joins his idol's acting class, only to realize that his jealous mentor plans to humiliate him. Directed/Written by Charles Jon Gray. Actors: Reuben Uy, Jasper Capalad, Kelsey Tuma.
Remittance
A man struggles to find the balance between his responsibilities to his family in the Philippines and the new family he's found in the United States. Directed/Written by Ashleigh Coffelt. Produced by Ashleigh Coffelt, Courtney Birk. Actors: Lawrence Sharma, Courtney Birk, Earl Baylon, Cami Storm.
Episode 20: Fault Lines
Stories about relationships tested by grief, distance, and change.
The Perfect Couple
A seemingly perfect Filipino American match turns into a wildly chaotic wedding. Directed by Enrico Banson. Written and Produced by Mike Talplacido. Actors Princess Punzalan, Camille Aragon, Julian Bataclan, Aaron Dumas.
Glimmer
After receiving an unexpected phone call from their mother, Javi and Elsa must cope with the loss of their traditional immigrant grandmother while finding themselves in the process. Written, Directed, Produced by Arianna Basco. Actors Arianna Basco, Fei Hernandez, Rosario Dawson.
Voices
A group of college besties find their way through adult life with the help of a strange ability: to hear each other's inner voices. Directed/Written/Produced by Randal Kamradt & Malou Kamradt. Actor(s): Hazel Lozano, Tyler Ham Pong, Rachel Appelbaum.
Episode 21: Inherited Roots
Films exploring ancestry, migration, culture, and the meaning of home.
Ang Huling Adobo
In the face of a devastating diagnosis, a Filipino man turns to cooking Chicken Adobo to reconnect with his heritage and find solace in the traditions of his ancestors. Directed by Juan Raymundo Ramos. Written by Juan Raymundo Ramos, Raymund Ramos, Mark Labella, Rasec Marc. Produced by Nicholas James Barber. Actors Mark Labella, Alex Pedron Sr., Olga Natividad.
Joyrider
A little boy's journey against the winds of change. Directed, Written, Produced by Sebastien Tobler. Actors Ronin Tobler, Tara Tobler, Sebastien Tobler and Garrett O'Brien.
Palibut-Ibot
A money trail intertwines a set of people’s lives as they struggle to survive in a city riddled with corruption and despair. Directed/Written by San-San Onglatco. Produced by Ian Cuizon. Actors Trency Caaganan, Jarden de Guzman, Frances Makil-Ignacio, Missy Maramara, Xander Soriano.
Pepper Soup
An immigration story told through food. Directed/Written/Produced by Emmanuel Munda. Actors: Reynaldo P. Munda.
Episode 22: Things We Bury
Stories of hidden wounds, buried tensions, and the emotional weight people carry beneath the surface.
Self Storage
An estranged mother and daughter go through their late loved one's self-storage unit to discover some lost items that spark up memories of the past, revealing feelings that they have kept stored inside. Directed/Written/Produced by Rommel Andaya. Actors Princess Punzalan, Jaclyn Aimee, Reuben Uy Janine Oda, Faith Toledo.
The Five Legged Ant
A product of depression, art and longing. This is a short story about the struggle of an ant presented in a uniquely dramatic, cinematic language. Directed/Written by Lawrence Ramirez.
A Sweet Tooth
A driven Filipino American analyst who believes hard work guarantees success begins to unravel after losing a long-awaited promotion, only to face a violent intruder who forces him to confront the man he is becoming. Directed by Presley Paras. Written by Presley Paras & Jason Daly. Produced by Russ Whaley, AJ Calomay, Mike Talplacido, Joe Daly, Jason Daly. Actors: Carlin James, James Lontayao, Lee Donoghue.
No Dogs
On the night of January 29th 1930 in Watsonville, a Filipino clubhouse was bombed. Directed by Randal Kamradt. Written by Georgina Tolentino, Alex Fabros. Produced by Georgina Tolentino. Actors Georgina Tolentino, Ian Coleman.
Episode 23: Music Video Showcase
A curated presentation of Filipino and Filipino American music storytelling through visual artistry and performance.
On My Time
Winlove's pursuit of solitude is constantly disrupted, highlighting the struggle to balance self-care with the demands of others. Directed by Cassandra Pimentel. Written by Winlove Soriano. Produced by Winlove Soriano, Cassandra Pimentel. Starring Winlove Soriano.
Peaches
Jojo is infatuated with the new guy she’s dating, distracting her from time with her girls. Directed by Monica Silverio. Starring JONAVI.
I Know Him So Well
The jewel-toned animation of queer teenage love is chronicled by guitar-playing mermen and emotional vocals. Directed/Produced by Chance Calloway. Artists: AJ Rafael & Chance Calloway.
Always in My Head
Rising popstar Garth gets in way over his head when he falls in love with a mysterious woman and gets tangled in a net of deception, mind-inhabitation, zombies, and beer. Directed/Written by Randal Kamradt & Malou Kamradt. Produced by Garth Garcia. Actors Garth Garcia, Rebecca Teresia, Julian Bataclan, Edward J Mallillin.
Episode 24: Documentary Spotlight
A curated showcase of documentary storytelling highlighting resilience, artistry, identity, and lived experience within the Filipino and Filipino American community.
Reach Out
In an intergenerational collaboration between Los Angeles-based band Bootleg Orchestra and singer Roger Rigor from iconic Filipino band VST & Co, this short documentary explores the creative process of producing a song that calls for international solidarity for climate justice and highlights the role of music in giving life to a movement. Directed by John Zafra Haas. Written by Menchie Caliboso. Produced by Menchie Caliboso, Joanne Danganan. Actors Vanessa Acosta, Menchie Caliboso, Andrew Dickson, Roger Rigor.
Diminishing Returns
$80 due today. Out of time and out of options, Ernesto keeps a positive outlook while he hunts the streets and dumpsters of LA in the hope of finding enough recyclables to pay for his daughter’s chemo treatment back home in the Philippines. Directed/Written by Colin Whitman. Produced by Colin Whitman, Aleksandar Jovic, Alison Messinger. Starring Ernesto Bagayas.
Time Crisis
Three times a week, Eddie Esguerra goes to Los Angeles arcades to play Time Crisis. Day after day, he hones his unique ability to play alone in two-player mode. As we follow Eddie, we learn that his ultimate goal is not just to master the game, but to make friends and find a community. Directed by Brooke Palmieri, Zac Weathers. Produced by Brooke Palmieri, Zac Weathers, Sean Huntley, Sam Sandweiss. Starring Eddie Esguerra.