2025 Diwa Filipino Film Fest - Pakikipagsapalaran (Seeking and Struggling)

What does it mean to be Filipino in today's modern world?

Stigmatized by Clovis Ong & Ik-Tong Ryo (13 min, Singapore, 2024, English, Japanese, Tagalog, & Cantonese w/ English Subs) - Sometimes, the AI is just racist.

Panikad (Pedal) by Klen Dale Anne Dompales & Abdul Raffy Macasiding (11 min, Philippines, 2024, Cebuano w/ English Subs) - Life of a resilient trisikad driver, David Cano, navigating the harsh realities of poverty, family struggles, and diminishing opportunities as modern transportation rapidly transforms his once-thriving livelihood.

Arong's Bicycle by Branden Josh Domingo (20 min, Philippines, 2024, Ilocano w/ English Subs) - Ten-year-old Arong's peaceful routine is disrupted when Arong learns about the planned construction of a resort in their village, leading to unexpected challenges and a heartbreaking decision.

Text FIND DAD and Send to 2366 by Kent Michael Cadungog (15 min, Philippines, 2024, Cebuano w/ English Subs) - Sam, an uncharismatic teenage girl, is shortlisted for a renowned national reality TV show.

Nak! Nak! by Andrea Barizo Licayan (2 min, Philippines, 2025, Tagalog w/ English Subs) - A migrant reflects on her relationship with her family.

Abot ng Kamay ang Pangarap (Hands Reaching for the Dream) by Juliana Margaret Obtinalla David (5 min, Philippines, 2025, Tagalog w/ English Subs) - This short documentary follows Kuya Dave, a senior high school student who overcame self-doubt and shyness to achieve success in Information Technology.

Maybe It's Just the Rain by Reina Bonta (15 min, United States, Philippines, 2025, English) - 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.

Heart and Sol by Donovan Decano (10 min, United States, Germany, 2024, English & German w/ English Subs) - A Filipino Karaoke bar owner in Berlin navigates the challenges of migration while recounting the extreme amounts of trauma he managed to overcome.

Ligawang Malay (We're Just Sleepwalking) by Redsh Alba (21 min, Philippines, 2024, Tagalog w/ English Subs) - A middle aged couple—Leila, a human resource officer, and Felix, a ride hailing app taxi driver— find their seemingly lifeless routine shaken when Leila sleepwalks one night and asks Felix, “Who are you?”

Host or Publisher Diwa Filipino Film Festival