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!]

2023-2025 | Documentary & Narrative | USA, Canada, Philppines | 117 min | English, Tagalog, Visayan, with English Subtitles | Digital

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/

Sunday, May 18th, 2025
2:30 PM

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

BUY TICKETS

Awit Natin (Our Song)

Written and Directed by Pacqui Pascual
https://pacqui.online/

LOGLINE

Myself When I Am Real

Directed, Written by Angeline Gragasin
https://angelinegragasin.com/about

Set in the year 2000, a single mother and her teenage daughter struggle to make new friends and find belonging at a Filipino Christmas party in suburban Wisconsin.

Her Wish

Directed by Royce Pataras & Marvin Peyton

In remembrance of the late Estrella Ravelo Alamar, co-founder of the Filipino American Historical Society of Chicago (FAHSC), who established the FAHSC Museum. Through her strong dedication and perseverance, her extensive collection forms the cornerstone of the Society’s archives. This collection, now being meticulously preserved by FAHSC and its dedicated volunteers, remains in fulfilling her long-held wish.

Veterano

Written and Directed by Patrick Epino
https://patrickepino.com/

LOGLINE

BALIK/BAYAN

Directed by Paula Kiley
IG: @paula.kilikili

Chronicles the life of Manny Paez, the founder of Manila Forwarder, a balikbayan box company serving LA’s Filipino American community since 1998.

Also Screening:
May 19th, 8:30PM
Far & Away: AAPI Documentary Shorts

Painted Ones

Directed by Julia Nacario
IG: @paintedonesfilm

Oakland-based Bisaya tattoo artist La'on Canabe rediscovers and unlocks indigenous Filipino histories through ink.

Sands Street

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

Get Your Story Straight

Directed by Myra Aquino

A murder charge assembles four estranged siblings for an unexpected reunion where they find themselves navigating secrets, dysfunction and the law.

Desync

Directed by Minerva Marie Navasca
IG: @minervanavasca

Ana, a young Filipina filmmaker attempts to re-enact a painful memory of her mother, spurred by an obsessive desire and longing for a perfect narrative where love isn’t lost in translation.

Kapwa (Shared Identity): Filipino American Shorts