This season of shorts showcases a selection of original, well-crafted expressions of the Filipino American experience, exemplifying distinctive and genuine storytelling. [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)
FANHS’s mission is to promote understanding, education, enlightenment, appreciation and enrichment through the identification, gathering,
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
Directed & Written by Grace Hanna
https://www.thatsjustgrace.com
A thirteen-year-old science prodigy journeys into her grandmother’s deteriorating mind, trying in vain to save the one precious memory they have together.
2024 | Narrative | USA | 11 mins | English | Digital
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.
2024 | Narrative | USA | 18 mins | English, Tagalog w/ English subtitles | Digital
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
2025 | Documentary | USA | 15 mins | English | Digital
Directed by Emily Strong
https://www.emilymstrong.com/
The Grocery List Show is a delicious cooking documentary series exploring cultural grocery stores, hosted by former Top Chef contender, Chrissy Camba. This episode features the cultural impact of Seafood City on the Filipino American community in Chicago.
2025 | Documentary | USA | 13 mins | English | Digital
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.
2024 | Narrative | USA | 8 mins |
English, Tagalog w/ English subtitles | Digital
Alson Screening:
May 19th, 8:30PM
Far & Away: AAPI Documentary Shorts
Directed by Julia Nacario
IG: @paintedonesfilm
Oakland-based Bisaya tattoo artist La'on Canabe rediscovers and unlocks indigenous Filipino histories through ink.
2024 | Documentary | USA | 5 mins | English, Visayan | Digital
Directed by Sura Mallouh
Filipino Canadian comedian Alia Rasul reconnects with her dad to mine stories about his ridiculous near-death experiences — but it unexpectedly turns into a record-scratch moment.
2024 | Documentary | Canada & The Philippines | 19 mins | English | Digital
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.
2024 | Narrative | USA | 16 mins | English, Tagalog w/ English subtitles | Digital
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.
2023 | Narrative | Canada | 12 mins | English, Tagalog w/ English subtitles | Digital