Mahal Namin Kayo (Short Film) - We Love You

This Short follows three generations of a family as they visit their Lolo (grandfather) during his last days. The youngest, Isa recalls her memories with her great-grandfather, struggling to cope with the situation. 

Meet the Team

Writer/Director/Co-Producer: Angela Paguio Ramolete (she/her)

My focus is on stories that highlight first-generation experiences of POC with the intent to diversify media through those shared narratives. Usually, I work within the Art Department to tell stories through visual design. Though I love set decoration and production design, I am excited for the challenge and honor to be directing this project.

Co-Writer/Sound: Josiah Angcanan

Josiah is a filmmaker, focusing mostly on writing, though I've directed a few shorts that are currently in post-production. I enjoy writing genre films or films dealing with the Filipino-American experience. 

Producer: Markus Kasu

Coming from such a crazy country (Lebanon), I have beautiful stories to tell, stories of resilience and endurance amidst tribulations. It’s a pleasure for me to be part of this film. What’s special is its story — so genuine!

Co-Producer: Araceli Milian (she/her)

While earning her Bachelor of Arts in Cinema and Television, she interned at Newport Beach Film Festival (2020), and after graduation, moved back to the Inland Empire and joined Future First, going on to work with insanely talented artists, creatives, and technicians, G&E’ing for Amelia Moore and Victoria Pedretti and producing for the upcoming band Velvet Lune. 

Director of Photography: Anthony Benitez/Betex (he/him)

Cinematographer, Producer, and Director from Moreno Valley. Betex trained and learned under Apex Lighting, a local owned and operated rental house. With over 6 years of G&E experience on sets, he founded his own production company called Future First (2019), rounding up a group of hungry, eager-to-learn Inland Empire talent. Partnering with the Garcia Center for the Arts, local musicians like Velvet Lune, emerging short directors, and developed the doc-podcast JUST SB with grants and support from San Bernardino County.

Director's Message 

This short film depicts the immigrant experience to America, often accompanied with, 'working oneself to death'. The story illustrates the complexity of family relationships and the celebration of life until the very end. My focus is to express the importance of finding one’s identity outside of career, amidst generational roots of workaholic culture, and to demonstrate the familial bond created when past aggressions are released. The youngest character, Isa, symbolizes childlike innocence and is the most vulnerable person around her Lolo and Lola. She shows ease in communicating with her elders and a closeness in those relationships — an experience those before her could not achieve. This is a love letter to my family and generations before me who have sacrificed for my privilege to heal myself through art and hopefully its audiences.

- Ang

Budget 

We are looking to raise $2,600 so that we can make this project a reality. 

A large portion of this fundraiser will go towards location, premiere and craft services. We want to make sure that our team is fed so that they can give the best performance they can, whether it's in front or behind the camera. Additionally, funding for production design, wardrobe, props, makeup and camera gear. 

Other Ways You Can Help

If you're unable to donate or support us financially, please share our project on social media or with your friends and family. WE APPRECIATE ANY AND ALL SUPPORT! 

Follow us on Instagram @mahalnaminkayofilm