FILAM CREATIVE FILM FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES 2025 PROGRAM FEATURING BOLD STORIES FROM FILIPINO-AMERICAN AND GLOBAL VOICES

Los Angeles, CA – September 3, 2025 — FilAm Creative (FAC), the premier nonprofit organization championing unique voices in entertainment, proudly announces the lineup for the 2025 FilAm Creative Film Festival (FACFF), taking place September 25-28, 2025, in Los Angeles.  Now in its fifteenth year as an organization and its third year as a festival, FilAm Creative continues its mission to showcase the creativity, resilience, and vision of Filipino-American artists and artists of all ethnicities who support FilAm Creative’s mission. 
 
This year’s program presents 24 projects, spanning narrative features, documentaries, shorts, and music videos. The lineup spotlights boundary-pushing debut filmmakers, acclaimed auteurs, and rising talents telling stories that resonate across cultures.
 
“The FilAm Creative Film Festival brings our diverse narratives into focus – healing, inspiring, and empowering through moving pictures,” said Rovyn Bautista, Festival Director.
 
“This festival is where community meets creativity, and where Filipino-American stories are honored with the spotlight they deserve,” added Angel Quinsay, COO & Head of Gala.
 
Spotlight screenings include the first Filipino-American feature film to be screened at Sundance The Flip Side by Rod Pulido and the Emmy award winning documentary Matt Shepard is a Friend of Mine by Michele Josue.
 
There will be an Awards Gala recognizing excellence through jury-selected and audience awards, as well as community awards.
 
FACFF also returns with its popular FilAm Creations competition, presented by Noble Creations, where participants have just three weeks to create a 5–7 minute short film, which must include the theme, prop, and line of dialogue selected by the festival and announced at the kickoff event. The competition showcases the creativity, humor, and innovation of emerging talent.
 
In addition to screenings, the FilAm Creative Film Festival will host panels and networking events, including conversations with filmmakers, industry leaders, and community advocates. Topics will include global co-productions, music, editing, and the future of storytelling.
 

The 2025 Official Selections Lineup:

 A Karaoke Space Odyssey, directed by Achim Mendoza.
In this sci-fi rom-com karaoke musical, Stella, an undocumented Filipino once known as her town's karaoke queen, goes on a karaoke date with a strange man who turns out to be an alien from outer space.
Produced by Sayali Upadhye and Bobbie Green, written by Achim Mendoza and Bobbie Green, starring Hazel Lozano and Alex Blue Davis.
 
Augmented, directed by Matthew Abaya.
An adventure into an augmented alternate reality video game becomes deadly when a gamer discovers that the paranormal may be real.
Produced by Fred Briones, written by Matthew Abaya, starring Patrick Flores.
 
Bakunawa, directed by Jessica Stutman
With the help of a little girl, a curious Bakunawa learns to dance!
Produced by Jessica Stutman, written by Jessica Stutman.
 
Brain Dump, directed by Iya Baclagan and Francisco Yun.
When you beg your mind to stop thinking, what are you trying to suppress? Brain Dump is an experimental exploration of Vivian's unwelcome thoughts.
Produced by Iya Baclagan, Francisco Yun, and Kirby Ortego, written by Iya Baclagan, starring Iya Baclagan.
 
Cafuné, directed by Joanne Nguyen.
An exotic dancer in an open marriage confronts the quiet ache of aging, intimacy, and the fear of losing her desirability.
Produced by Joanne Nguyen, written by Joanne Nguyen, starring Joanne Nguyen and Ethan Riley.
 
Diminishing Returns, directed by Colin Whitman.
$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.
Produced by Colin Whitman.
 
Everything Good, directed by Roni Canieso.
It's Thanksgiving dinner and twenty-something Gabi needs to drop a bombshell on her family. After 6 years, with one semester left to complete, she's dropping out of college. Gabi is especially worried about her father, whose high expectations have smothered her entire life. Riddled with nerves, Gabi enlists the help of her cousin Mari to help her finally speak her truth. Mari’s solution: get Gabi high for the very first time.
Produced by Arlyn Dela Pena and Iya Baclagan, written by Roni Canieso, starring Iya Baclagan.
 
FRUIT: A Short Film, directed by Ella Espiritu
A short film about fruit.
Produced by Ella Espiritu, written by Ella Espiritu, starring Ella Espiritu.
 
How Much Filipino, directed by Greg Roensch.
Director/Writer Greg Roensch comes from a mixed family background (Irish, Scottish, German, Czech, Spanish, Portuguese, and Filipino), with his father's family having moved to the United States from the Philippines towards the end of World War II. Throughout his life, when discussing his family background with others, Greg's often been asked, “How much Filipino are you?” This film was inspired by that question.
Produced and written by Greg Roensch.
 
Ki and Marc, directed by John Geronilla.
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.
Produced by Vivien Rodriguez and John Geronilla, written by John Geronilla, starring Janessa Floyd and John Geronilla.
 
Lola, directed by Grace Hanna.
A thirteen-year-old science prodigy journeys into her grandma's deteriorating mind to save one precious memory they have together.
Produced by Uloaku Anyiam-Osigwe, Eduardo Maia, and Molvatu Sae-ue, written by Grace Hanna and Derek Manansala, starring Eva Noblezada, Ren Hanami, and Jovie Leigh.
 
Lukso Ng Dugo, directed by Annika Magbanua.
"Lukso ng Dugo" is a 2D animated short film about Mae, a Filipino girl who takes a stand against the cycles of abuse in her family. As Mae and her mother prepare for dinner, she senses a mysterious presence lingering outside of her home. Tensions rise during dinner when Mae’s father lashes out, pushing her to do something she’s never done before: stand up to her father. With the unexpected help of a monster inspired by Filipino folklore, Mae and her mother confront their fears and begin a journey towards healing.
Produced by Joe Schwall, starring Paolo Asuncion, Maricar Bella, Annika Magbanua.
 
Maybe It’s Just the Rain, directed by Reina Bonta.
In their debut at the FIFA World Cup, a diasporic, underdog group of young women become the first Filipino soccer team in history to win a match at the tournament. Combining home video footage and voice mail recordings, Reina, Filipino-American center back, brings us along on this turbulent journey, which culminates in an intimate, transformative trip to her grandmother's hometown in the Philippines.
Produced by Mel Mah and Frances Rubio.
 
Peaches – JONAVI, directed by Monica Silverio.
Jojo is infatuated with the new guy she’s dating, distracting her from time with her girls.
Starring JONAVI.
 
Reach Out, directed by John Haas.
In an intergenerational collaboration between Los Angeles-based electronica/soul trio 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. Drawing from personal experiences of environmental injustices and its intimate pairing with the fight for human rights, the artists elaborate on stories behind this song as well as share their creative process of collective songwriting and recording in the studio to create a song to uplift the people. The documentary will conclude with a music video of the full song.
Produced by Menchie Caliboso and Joanne Danganan, starring Andrew Dickson, Vanessa Acosta, and Roger Rigor.
 
Ruya, directed by Nicole Mairose Dizon.
When a T’boli dreamweaver goes into a coma, her anxious, insomniac daughter must dream and communicate with Fu Dalu, the Spirit of Abaca, to pick up where her mom left off on the next t'nalak.
Produced by Nicole Mairose Dizon, written by Nicole Mairose Dizon, starring Yssamei Panganiban and Bernadette Balagtas.
 
Silim, directed by Alexander Cruz De Ocampo.
Hayden Han is a Californian travel influencer with ten million internet friends and no one to call. On the eve of his first Christmas after a deep personal loss, Hayden flees to the Philippines in hopes of escaping his rapidly devolving personal life. His desperate bid for human connection propels him through a roiling Manila night that brings him face to face with the last person he wants to see: himself.
Produced by Alexander Cruz De Ocampo, written by Jordan Mahr and Alexander Cruz De Ocampo, starring Jordan Mahr.
 
Spam Fried Rice, directed by Jaclyn Aimee.
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.
Produced by Jaclyn Aimee, AJ Calomay, and Vivian Matito, written by Jaclyn Aimee, starring Zedrick Restauro and Jaclyn Aimee.
 
The Strawberries, directed by Nicholas Luciano
After a woman sees a baby eating expensive strawberries, her envy takes the form of a moldy strawberry monster who terrorizes her.
Produced by Bobbie Lucas, Julia Schmidt, Joy Regullano, and Amalia Aquino, written by Amalia Aquino, starring Anisa Khamvongsa, Kosei Suzuki, and Allyn Pintal.
 
Taga, directed by Jill Sachs
Vivi, a third-culture Filipina-American, travels to the Philippines to reconnect with her roots, but falls in with a group of Western eco-volunteers. When they scorn the customs of a remote mountain village, an ancient evil comes knocking.
Produced by Joyce Liu-Countryman, Louie Barretto, and Kristine De Leon, written by Jill Sachs, starring Kim Adis.
 
Temporary, directed by Jasper Alimbuyao Capalad and Joshua Abrenilla
As JCAP finds himself in handcuffs, he chases after someone who he thinks can help him be free.
Produced by Jasper Alimbuyao Capalad, written by Jasper Alimbuyao Capalad and Joshua Abrenilla, starring Jasper Alimbuyao Capalad.
 
Thank You For Breaking My Heart, directed by Rachel Leyco.
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.
Produced by Shannon Little, Meghan Maddigan, and Georgina Navarro, written by Rachel Leyco, starring Rachel Leyco and Jurnee Woo.
 
Three Ates and a Wedding, directed by Kevin Ang.
Three Filipino-Canadian sisters try to make it through their younger brother's chaotic wedding.
Produced by Mik Narciso, Phil Planta, Lumen Beltran, Carlo Fortin, Hannah Yang, and Marc Yungco, written by Kevin Ang, starring Louriza Tronco, Lumen Beltran, and Mae Belen.
 
YOU + ME WILL ALWAYS BE BACK THEN, directed by Marissa Roxas.
After a star-crossed romance, Maya + Sam, two Filipinas in their late 20s, struggle to truly let each other go.
Produced by Leah Lombos, written by Marissa Roxas, starring Kate Nguyen, Lani Gobaleza, and Kyle Blaine Tiglao.
 

FESTIVAL DETAILS

Dates: September 25–28, 2025
Venue: California State University, Los Angeles for the panels and screenings; location tbd for the Awards Gala.
Tickets: On sale now via official FACFF channels
Sponsorships & Partnerships: Contact FilAm Creative for involvement opportunities
 

ABOUT FILAM CREATIVE

FilAm Creative, Inc. (FAC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that (a) educates and advocates for the Filipino-American entertainment community and all people regardless of ethnicity who are looking for a collaborative workspace in order to achieve greater representation and career advancement; and (b) helps to amplify stories about the Filipino-American experience by Filipino-Americans and by storytellers of any ethnicity.  Since 2010, FAC has championed inclusivity and representation by hosting educational programs, organizing networking events, and providing a collaborative workspace in order to achieve career advancement. 
The FilAm Creative Film Festival (FACFF) is the organization’s flagship event, celebrating authentic storytelling and expanding representation in cinema.
The leadership team are Rovyn Bautista (Festival Director), Angel Quinsay (COO & Head of Awards Gala), Drea Castro (Chief Program Officer), Co-Founders and Board Members Ed Mallillin, Walter Boholst, Rex Sampaga, Board Members Mari Acevedo and Grace Santos, and festival staff Ashleigh Coffelt, Randal Kamradt, Juan Raymundo, Andrew Bushwitz, Nick Barber, Christianne Sykes, Rasec Ortega, Rommel Rojas,Emmanuel Munda, Richard Mendoza, MJ Racadio.
 
INCLUSION STATEMENT
FilAm Creative is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. While rooted in Filipino-American voices, our programs, events, and submissions are open to all regardless of ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, or background.  ​​We believe that telling Filipino stories and helping Filipino-American representation is most impactful when done in an inclusive and collaborative environment. Our commitment to diversity ensures that we showcase the best work possible and build bridges between communities.
 
 
PRESS CONTACTS
MJ Racadio
FilAmCreative@gmail.com
http://filamcreative.org
http://instagram.com/filamcreative
http://instagram.com/facfilmfestival