Unsaid

Join us on a captivating journey of emotions and unspoken desires with our upcoming film, "Unsaid" This story is more than just a film. It is an artistic portrayal of love, longing and missed opportunities that will tug at your heartstrings.

Mission Statement

Unsaid is a short film that weaves the timeless tapestry of star-crossed lovers and untaken chances. Set in the vibrant canvas of Venice Beach, this cinematic gem explores an intrinsic bond between two souls seemingly made for each other, yet fated to remain apart.

Drawing inspiration from the evocative realm of Asian Cinema and the raw authenticity of human sentiment, this narrative delves into the enigma of love and the ache of releasing it. Through intricate visual narration and poetic prose, our team endeavors to transport the audience into a journey of heartache and the quiet embrace of reality.

Blending the essence of classic and contemporary Asian cinema, our visual language employs color as a palette to express characters' inner workings. Guided by the brilliance of our team, the film's imagery will ascend to unparalleled heights.

Unsaid beckons viewers to ponder the weight of love and the art of relinquishing. It serves as a poignant reminder that life's tapestry doesn't always weave according to our wishes, and sometimes, cherished desires aren't meant to be. With a unique cinematography style and a script with a raw emotional core, the film seeks to capture the natural magnetism between two kindred spirits, underscoring the moving realization that destiny has its own script.

Logline:

Amid nostalgia and unspoken emotions, a rekindled connection between two best friends and former lovers unfolds as they navigate past romance, missed opportunities, and the bittersweet reality of their diverging paths.

Synopsis:

The story follows the rekindled connection between two best friends, Ethan and Lotlot. However, Lotlot's impending marriage to another man casts a shadow over their interactions, especially with all the unspoken emotions between them. Through carefully crafted flashbacks and silent moments, this shared history comes alive and reflects the depths of the feelings they have for each other. Ethan's repressed longing for Lotlot becomes a powerful undercurrent that culminates in a confession of his love.

The Team

Director - Enzo Apalit

is an award-winning Filipino-American director. His recent short films “Numero”, “Vigilante” and “Sleepless” have won several awards including Best Film, Best Cinematography and Best Director. He is the Director of Content Production of FilAm Creative, a 501(c)3 non-profit corporation dedicated to the advancement and empowerment of Filipino Americans in media and entertainment.

Enzo was born and raised in the Philippines. He moved to California at the age of 19 and served as a Hospital Corpsman in the United States Navy.

Director of Photography - Carlo Mendoza

Carlo Canlas Mendoza is a multi-awarded Filipino cinematographer who finished his MFA in Cinematography at the American Film Institute (AFI) Conservatory wherein he was the recipient of the Rachel Morrison scholarship. His 2nd thesis film, THE CHEF with director Hao Zheng won silver at the 2019 Student Academy Awards.

Carlo made history in the Philippines after being elevated to Hall of Fame status by two prestigious award-giving bodies in the country: the Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences (FAMAS) and the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF). He has joined the ranks of the 100 Luminaries of Philippine Cinema. Before moving to Los Angeles, Carlo’s films competed in New York, Berlin, Venice, Tokyo, and Shanghai.

Since his career started in 2007, Carlo had photographed more than a dozen feature films, including Jun Robles Lana’s BWAKAW (Philippine entry to the 2012 Academy Awards, in competition at the 2012 New York Film Festival), MANILA KINGPIN: THE ASIONG (in competition at the 2011 Metro Manila Film Festival) and ROSARIO (in competition at the 2011 Shanghai International Film Festival). He is best known for JAY (in competition at the 2008 Venice International Film Festival), BARBER’S TALES (in competition at the 2013 Tokyo International Film Festival), ABOVE THE CLOUDS (premiered at the 2014 Tokyo International Film Festival), SHADOW BEHIND THE MOON (in competition at the 2015 Karlovy Vary International Film Festival), BONIFACIO: ANG UNANG PANGULO (Metro Manila Film Festival 2015), DIE BEAUTIFUL (in competition at the 21st International Film Festival of Kerala, and more recently KALEL, 15 (World Premiere under the Official Selection program of the 23rd Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival 2019). He has been honored with 20 awards from the Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences (FAMAS), Metro Manila Film Festival, FAP Awards (Film Academy of the Philippines), the Young Critics Circle and most recently, at the 2018 North Virginia Film and Music Festival and the 2020 Asians on Film Festival.

Writer - Mark Labella

is an award-winning screenwriter and actor. He is the Executive Director of FilAm Creative.

Mark has produced and written several projects including the feature film “Labyu With An Accent” starring Philippine superstar Coco Martin, currently streaming on Netflix. His other works include the medical comedy series, “MisDiagnosed,” a recipient of the Chicago Screenplay Awards; the murder-mystery thriller "Catholic School"; and the upcoming comedy series "Soul & Spice."

Mark has a PhD in Medicine. He served as a Hospital Corpsman in the United States Navy.

Producer - Jennielyn Abrot

is the Owner of JAR Entertainment, a talent management and production company. Before this, she worked as a Development Executive and Creative Executive for major film financing/production companies where she oversaw the company's film slates.

Abrot worked on several films with star-studded cast including “Lovelace” (Amanda Seyfried, James Franco); ”Solitary Man” (Michael Douglas, Susan Surandon, Jessie Eisenberg); “Death and Life of Bobby Z” (Paul Walker, Olivia Wilde); Trust (Clive Owen, Catherine Keener); and Co-producer of “As Good As Dead” (Andie McDowell, Brian Cox, Carey Elwes).

Line Producer - Sam Reid

is the founder of Zam Studio, an LA-based visual production company. Sam previously worked in advertising. His goal is to make sure schedules are kept, and the production is under budget.

CAST

Jessey Qi as Ethan

An Asian-American Actor born in Houston, Texas. He has studied under the tutelage of Stella Adler, Beverly Hills Playhouse, and Margie Harbor. He has worked on films like Aquaman, Barbie, Brother's Son, Symphatizer, Super Pumped, and Expat. He's also starred in Akai Hana, Hello New York, Cross the Line, and in the Pilot: Trust Us.

Drea Castro as Rosie "Lot Lot"

is a multi-hyphenated creative who's worked in the entertainment industry for over 20 years as an actress, director and producer. She has been seen as an actress in films such as Fox's "Act of Valor" (opp. Emilio Riviera), "Baby Mama" (opp. Sigourney Weaver), "Paulina" (winner of the New Vision awards at the LA Asian Pacific Film fest), iMurders (opp.Gabrielle Anwar) and "I Think I Love My Wife" (opp. Chris Rock).

WHY US:

Our team is composed of AAPI award-winning professional, dedicated and experienced filmmakers that will bring this story to life.

Words cannot express how much we appreciate your help. All donations will go directly towards making out vision a reality.

Your support at any level is deeply valued and will contribute to the realization of our cinematic masterpiece.

Thank you for supporting us and making it possible for us to tell our story.

No raffles, sweepstakes, giveaways, or promotions are offered in exchange for any donations made to my GoFundMe.