Cover Film still from ‘Zenaida’ (Photo: Facebook)
Film still from ‘Zenaida’ (Photo: Facebook)
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Catch a glimpse of the Asian diaspora experience from the comfort of your home
As the first and longest-running festival dedicated to representing the artistry of Asian filmmakers, the Asian American International Film Festival (AAIFF) continues to attract audiences from all over the world. For their 46th run, the AAIFF is representing a total of 29 countries and 25 languages along with a number of Filipino narratives, documentaries and shorts.
Though the festival takes place in multiple venues in New York City, select films and segments can be watched anywhere in the world online.
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Above Nurse Unseen (Photo: nurseunseen.com)
Nurse Unseen (Photo: nurseunseen.com)
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I Wish I Didn’t Care (Like I Do)
A music video created by Katherine A. Baguio, I Wish I Didn’t Care (Like I Do) tells the story of a woman questioning her sanity as she accepts the truth of a failed relationship. The short film will be making its World Premiere in the centrepiece presentation Music Night Out!
The Fall of the I-Hotel
Under the supervision of director Curtis Choy, the iconic 1983 documentary The Fall of The I-Hotel has been restored to the glory of 4K cinema. After a decade of resistance to the razing of San Francisco’s Manilatown, the documentary focuses on a community’s fight against brutal eviction.
Zenaida
Directed by San-San Onglatco, Zenaida shows us the life of an undocumented Filipino-Muslim, Ibrahim who works as a live-in caregiver for a famous ageing Filipina diva, Zenaida, who suffers from dementia. Ibrahim has dreams of becoming a drag queen, secretly borrowing pieces from the diva’s wardrobe. Complications arise when she doesn’t recognise him and mistakes him for a thief.
Nurse Unseen
Led by Filipino-American Emmy-Award Winning director, Michele Josue, Nurse Unseen explores the little-known history and humanity of the unsung heroes of the COVID-19 pandemic. Risking their lives on the frontlines of the catastrophe, the Filipino nurses also faced the resurgence of anti-Asian hate in the streets.
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Above Protest in Manilatown San Francisco (Photo I-Hotel San Francisco)
Protest in Manilatown San Francisco (Photo I-Hotel San Francisco)
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18 Roses
Directed by Danielle Coronado and Ben See-Tho, 18 Roses is part of a limited TV series called “pagmamahal”, a show based on true Filipino-Canadian stories, and features a single mother and her daughter navigating their relationship after the death of the mother’s father—who served as a father figure for them both. The two then plan the daughter’s 18th birthday, while dealing with the absence of those most important to them.
The Roaring of the Carabao
Directed by Angeline Meitzler, The Roaring of the Carabao tells the story of an American-born Filipina who visited the Philippines, her mother’s homeland. On the night of her arrival, a volcano erupts, and all hell breaks loose. The eight-minute film will make its New York Premiere as part of the Fire & Water: Elemental Shorts segment.
Balikbayan
Under the command of Rebecca Rajadnya, we get to follow the life of Cecile in Balikbayan. Having moved to the United States in search of a more prosperous life for her and her family, Cecile works the night shift as a nurse, living in solitude. She then packs a balikbayan box full of clothes, toys and pasalubong to send to her family she hasn’t seen in a decade.
Mahal
Director Michaela Ternasky-Holland, took inspiration from Philippine mythology, to tell the tale of Apolaki, Mayari, Tala and Hanan, the four immortal children of the recently-passed, transcendent creator, Bathala. As they try to cope with their grief, their actions create a butterfly effect that affects the universe on a much larger scale. The film is dedicated to the director's late father, showing how love comes at a cost.
Raging Grace
Closing the 46th AAIFF is Raging Grace, directed by Paris Zarcilla. A bold coming-of-age story, the film follows Joy, a Filipina immigrant, and her daughter Grace. Joy does her best for her daughter by caring for a highly wealthy but terminally ill old man. While this opportunity presents itself to be fool-proof, they quickly realise that not everything is what it seems. Something unknown threatens everything they have worked for.
The festival runs from July 26-August 6, 2023 and can be viewed in-person and online in North America. For the full line-up and ticket information, visit aaiff.org/program
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About
Gabriel found his passion for writing through poetry in high school. He sharpened his skills at Ateneo de Manila University and hopes to write a play worthy of Broadway one day. A self-proclaimed geek, he loves to spend his free time playing video games and board games. When he's not clicking heads on Valorant or roleplaying as a barbarian in Dungeons and Dragons, you can find him exploring art galleries or watching stage plays.
Work
A creative writer who writes about anything and everything, Gabriel loves to dive deep into the arts and culture scene—as well as going on long road trips for travel pieces.
You can reach him on Instagram at @gbohol for any leads, casual conversations or game invites.
