2025 Diwa Filipino Film Fest - Tunog at Tindig (Sound out, Stand up)

Films about Filipinos' special relationship with music.

Howling Gale - Arianna Lady Basco ft. ROR by Nicholas James Barber (4min, United States, 2025, English) - A powerful spoken word piece that highlights the spirit of community building in Historic Filipinotown.

Memories of Mindanao: Tawi Tawi by Alleluia Panis (13 min, United States, Philippines, 2024, English) - Since 2002, TRIBU TUR is a biennial immersion in Philippine indigenous communities designed for US-based artists and cultural workers, led by Alleluia Panis of KULARTS. This hands-on field study is custom-designed for participants to explore, discover, and draw empowerment from indigenous Pilipino cultures.

Along Comes Larry, The Larry Ramos Story by Rick Quan (30 min, United States, 2025, English) - This documentary is about Hawaii's Larry Ramos, the first Asian American to win a Grammy. An ukulele child prodigy, he would go on to be a key member of the New Christy Minstrels and The Association.

Evelyn Mandac: The Filipina Soprano Who Broke Opera Glass Ceilings by Chiara Cox (23 min, United States, 2024, English) - Considered a Living Legend by many Filipinos, Evelyn Mandac was the first, and still is the only, Filipina to sing major roles at the Metropolitan Opera.

Middle of Nowhere by Travis Shields (4 min, United States, 2024, English) - A music video by the Dennis Fuentes Band.

Reach Out by John Haas (19 min, United States, 2023, English) - 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.

Figat (Tomorrow) by Rafael Handiong Banasan Kapuno (15 min, Philippines, 2024, Kalinga w/ English Subs) - Figat is an inspiring short film about Ching-ay, a young girl from Kalinga, who stands out in a world where many are distracted by technology. Tasked with bringing a musical instrument to class, she embarks on a journey that celebrates her roots, inspiring a return to cultural pride and planting seeds of hope for a more grounded tomorrow.

Host or Publisher Diwa Filipino Film Festival