FilAM Creative Film Festival - The Third Edition

Welcome to the 3rd edition of the FilAm Creative Film Festival held at California State University, Los Angeles. Get ready for 3-days of amazing Filipino-American films, talented filmmakers, and engaging discussions. Immerse yourself in the rich storytelling and diverse perspectives of the Filipino-American community through the power of cinema. Don't miss out on this opportunity to celebrate and support Filipino-American & South East Asian filmmakers. See you there!

Info: Join four visionary editors as they unpack the craft behind award-winning cuts in film, TV, and documentary. From high-profile prestige projects to groundbreaking indie work, Behind the Timeline brings editing into focus — raw, real, and radically inspiring.

Achim Mendoza – Sundance-selected editor (ALOK) and co-founder of Dusty Films, championing underrepresented voices in post-production.

Michelle Tesoro, ACE – Emmy and ACE Eddie winner for The Queen’s Gambit, with acclaimed credits including When They See Us, Godless, and Maestro.

Rejh Cabrera, ACE – ACE Eddie nominee and editor of Good Night Oppy (5 Critics Choice Doc Awards, 2 Emmys), Coded, and Visible: Out on Television.

Mark Arbitrario – Emmy-winning editor turned director/producer, known for The Voice, Asia’s Next Top Model, and Asia’s Got Talent.

Info: This special block highlights films by FilAm Creative members — the very people who helped build this festival. It’s our way of honoring their creativity, passion, and the countless hours they’ve dedicated behind the scenes. These films reflect the same spirit that drives the festival: community, culture, and the power of Filipino-American storytelling.

“Voices” Directed By Randall Kamradt
“Pepper Soup” Directed By Emmanuel Munda
“First You Then I” Directed By Ashleigh Coffelt
“Centerpiece” Written By Rommel Rojas

MORE PROJECTS TO BE ANNOUNCED!

Info: Dress Code: Formal

Info: Join us for a special screening of The Flip Side, the groundbreaking feature debut of Rod Pulido, the first Filipino-American filmmaker to premiere a feature at the Sundance Film Festival. This bold, vibrant coming-of-age story broke barriers when it hit the screen, offering a rare and unapologetic portrayal of Filipino-American youth, identity, and culture at a time when authentic representation was nearly invisible in mainstream media.

More than two decades later, The Flip Side continues to resonate with new generations, having inspired countless Filipino creatives to pursue storytelling on their own terms. It remains a cultural touchstone in Filipino-American cinema — one that helped pave the way for broader API narratives in film.

Stick around after the screening for an exclusive Q&A with cast members, as they reflect on the film’s legacy, its impact on the community, and what it means to tell our stories, our way.

Info: Celebrate the kickoff of the FilAm Creative Film Festival with an exclusive after party at The Famous in Glendale! Join filmmakers, artists, and festival fans for a night of great music, good vibes, and unforgettable connections. Let’s toast to storytelling, community, and the start of an incredible festival experience!

Info: Explore the powerful role of music in film and television with a group of award-winning composers at the forefront of contemporary scoring. This panel offers a behind-the-scenes look at the creative process—from initial inspiration to final cue.

Whether you're a filmmaker, musician, or simply passionate about the power of score, this discussion offers a rare glimpse into the minds behind the music.

Denise Santos
* Emmy Award-winning composer for Primates (BBC/PBS).

Nathan Matthew David
* Peabody Award winner, Emmy-nominated, and ASCAP honoree.

Tangelene Bolton
* 2020 Sundance Composer Fellow and Berklee-trained composer.

Carmichael Castanos
* Emerging composer known for The Lettermen and Unlock the Boss.


Info: 1. PEACHES by Monica Silverio
2. SPAM FRIED RICE by Jaclyn Aimee
3. BRAIN DUMP by Iya Baclagan & Francisco Yun
4. AUGMENTED by Matthew Abaya
5. FRUIT by Ella Espiritu
6. TEMPORARY by Jasper Capalad & Joshua Abrenilla
7. THE STRAWBERRIES by Nicholas Luciano
8. A KARAOKE SPACE ODYSSEY by Achim Mendoza

Info: 1. THREE ATES AND A WEDDING by Kevin Ang
2. BAKUNAWA by Jessica Stutman
3. RUYA by Nicole Mairose Dizon
4. EVERYTHING GOOD by Roni Canieso
5. HOW MUCH FILIPINO by Greg Roensch
6. LUKSO NG DUGO by Annika Magbanua
7. LOLA by Grace Hanna

Info: A special film awaits — revealed at a later time. Join us for a surprise screening that adds a little mystery and a lot of excitement to the festival lineup. Come curious, leave inspired.

Info: Dive into the creative minds behind some of today’s most compelling stories with the Scene & Heard writers panel. Featuring diverse voices and experiences, this discussion explores the craft of storytelling from concept to script.

Panelists will share insights on character development, narrative structure, and the unique challenges and rewards of writing for film and television. Attendees will gain an understanding of how writers navigate the industry while staying true to their vision.

Whether you’re an aspiring writer, filmmaker, or simply passionate about storytelling, this panel offers a rare opportunity to hear directly from the voices shaping the future of screen narratives.

Info: 1. MAYBE IT'S JUST THE RAIN by Reina Bonta 2. CAFUNE by Joanne Nguyen 3. REACH OUT by John Haas & Joanne Danganan 4. TAGA by Jill Sachs

Info: 1. THANK YOU FOR BREAKING MY HEART by Rachel Leyco 2. DIMINISHING RETURNS by Colin Whitman 3. SILIM by Alexander Cruz De Ocampo 4. YOU + ME WILL ALWAYS BE BACK THEN by Marissa Roxas 5. KI AND MARC by John Geronilla

Info: Join us for a special retrospective screening of Matt Shepard Is a Friend of Mine, an Emmy-winning documentary by Michele Josue that takes us into Matthew Shepard’s life and legacy.

A deeply personal and powerful chronicle, Matt Shepard is a Friend of Mine explores the life and legacy of Matthew Shepard, a young gay man whose brutal M**der became one of the most infamous hate crimes in U.S. history.

Michele Josue is an Emmy Award-winning Filipino American documentary filmmaker based in Los Angeles. Her acclaimed feature debut, Matt Shepard is a Friend of Mine, garnered 10 Best Documentary and Audience Awards from film festivals around the world and holds a rare 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The film earned the 2016 Daytime Emmy Award for "Outstanding Special Class Special."

This screening invites reflection on a story that continues to resonate deeply today

Info: Celebrate an elegant evening at Harbor House in Los Angeles honoring the outstanding achievements of Filipino American filmmakers and creatives. This gala highlights exceptional storytelling and artistic excellence with award presentations, special performances, and opportunities to connect with industry leaders and fellow artists. Dress to impress and join us in celebrating the vibrant spirit of FilAm cinema.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Luckman Fine Arts Complex at Cal State LA, 5151 State University Drive, Los Angeles, United States