COMMUNITY SESSIONS
REGINA AQUINO
Be your authentic self. The hardest, scariest story to tell is exactly the story to tell. Protect those who are more vulnerable. Pay homage to your elders and widen the path for the people coming up behind you.
Actor, Producer, Director, Writer @ Origin Stories Productions
I am so proud to be Filipino American. As the first Asians to arrive on the continental United States before it was a country, our history is deeply imbedded into the fabric of modern America. From the Philippine American War to imperialist occupation of the Philippines, the unionized labor movement to Civil Rights - Filipino History is an integral and unacknowledged aspect of United States history and culture. To be Filipino American in this moment is to be blessed with purpose - its so easy to fight for our due recognition when we've been here all along. There's so much we as a people have accomplished and contributed to the globe for centuries, all while maintaining our unique and generous spirit. I love that I get to be a part of the movement to raise awareness and shift the perspective of who we are and what we are capable of.
she/her/siya
Family origin: Sorsogon, Bicol; Manila
Manhattanville College
AWARDS + ACCOLADES
Helen Hayes Award Outstanding Leader Performer
Manila International Film Festival Special Recognition
LA Independent Women in Film Best New Filmmaker Nominee
Richmond Film Network Audience Choice
MY INSPIRATION
My family and people. Generosity. Justice. Authenticity. Vulnerability. Truth.
Courtesy of Faith Healers Documentary / Photo credit: Neil GerardoTELLING STORIES
It is my personal mission to create hopeful stories that uplift and connect excluded and erased identities, with a strong focus on Filipino stories. I believe that stories shape the world and those with storytelling skills, talent, and resources are tasked with the responsibility of using those gifts to positively impact humanity by promoting compassion, justice, and liberation.
