Kapwa (Shared Identity):
Filipino American Shorts

By exploring cultural preservation and identity, the immigrant experience, and diaspora resilience, these shorts preserve overlooked histories, strengthen intergenerational bonds, and highlight the emotional, often absurd, complexities of familial care and survival. [Select Filmmakers In Person for Post-Film Q&A!]

1936, 2025-2026 | Documentary & Narrative | USA, Canada, Philippines | 116 min | English, Tagalog w/ English Subtitles | Digital, 16mm

Since 2023, the Filipino American shorts program has been an annual tradition of The Asian American Showcase to honor the passing of Jonathan Laxamana, a core programmer and contributor to The Asian American Showcase and co-founder of the Chicago Filipino American Film Festival. More information: https://www.faaim.org/2026-jonathan

In partnership with Filipino American National Historical Society (FANHS)

To promote understanding, education, enlightenment, appreciation and enrichment through the identification, gathering, preservation and dissemination of the history and culture of Filipino Americans in the United States.

Find out more: http://fanhs-national.org/filam/

Friday, May 8th, 2026
5:45 PM

Gene Siskel Film Center
164 N State St, Chicago, IL 60601

BUY TICKETS

The Little Farmers of Reynoldsburg, Ohio

Directed by Nicholas Galutera Viernes
Archivist: Ashley Dequilla, Filipino American Historical Society of Chicago

Home-movie footage of an interracial couple on a farm in 1930s rural Ohio.

Will be screened in the lobby prior to the program.

1936 | Documentary | USA | 15 mins | Silent | 16mm

Sands Street

Written and Directed by Claro de los Reyes
https://clarodelosreyes.com/
IG: @clarodelosreyes

A steward and a welder from different backgrounds forge an unexpected bond in 1940s Brooklyn.

Maybe It’s Just the Rain

Directed by Reina Bonta
reinabonta.com
IG: @reinabonta @maybeitsjusttherain.shortfilm

Representing the Philippines in the Women’s World Cup leads the filmmaker there on a voyage of discovery.

Awit Natin (Our Song)

Written and Directed by Pacqui Pascual
pacqui.online
IG: @pacquip @awitnatinfilm

A family takes extreme measures to hide their ailing mother from some even worse news.

Bridging Our Stories

Directed by Rafael Bitanga
IG: @bridgingourstories

A 50-year-old Filipina who spent her life resisting her heritage travels to the Philippines to rediscover her roots.

In the Morning Sun

Directed by Serville Poblete
servillepoblete.com
IG: inthemorningsunfilm

In an apartment on the other side of the world, a woman finds ways to stay connected to her family back home.

Veterano

Written and Directed by Patrick Epino
veteranofilm.com nationalfilmsociety.com
IG: @nationalfilmsociety @patrickepino

A down-and-out World War II veteran in 1981 San Francisco resorts to crime, with chaotic results.

You Could’ve Been a Nurse

WORLD PREMIERE!
Written and Directed by Meg Mateo
ycbanfilm.com megmateo.com
IG: @ycbanfilm @mateomegj

A woman finds out her mother has only days to live, but it's their mismatched expectations that creates unforeseen heartbreak.

Kapwa (Shared Identity): Filipino American Shorts