“Death of Nintendo” is about a group of young teenagers in the Philippines as they navigate through first love, ghosts, and circumcision. This is a fantastic coming-of-age film that is at once heartfelt and joyful, just like growing up! I spoke with writer/producer Valerie Castillo Martinez about making the film and growing up.
To see the film, click here, and here to visit the movie’s official page.
Filmmaker Katherine Tolentino created an eye-opening look at parachute kids, immigrant kids, mostly from China, who come to the United States in order to be prepared for college. Loosely based on a true story, “Parachute” will stay with you long after the credits. See my interview with Tolentino and click here to watch the short film.
“Basurero” or garbage-collector/trash man is the first film of writer/director Eileen Cabiling and is currently making waves at the festival circuit such as the Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival. It is about a fisherman in the Philippines who is paid to dump bodies in the ocean. Those bodies were of people suspected of either drug using or drug pushing in Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte’s so called “war on drugs.” Check out my interview with Cabiling about her interest in making the short film, working with actor Jericho Rosales, and the wonders of film festivals.
To buy tickets to see “Basurero” and other LAAPFF entries, click here.
A couple decides to add some spice to their marriage in this funny and heartfelt short film from husband and wife directors Kevin and Leslie Alejandro. Kevin is also in the film along with Lesley-Ann Brandt. So is this autobiographical? I sat down with Leslie and her sister, producer Dani de Jesus about the making of the film, and how they’re raising Filipino representation in Hollywood through their Alejandro Films banner.
“Adult Night” is currently playing at the Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival. To purchase tickets, click here.
