Give as a gift
This film block contains both documentaries and narratives all centered on finding a stronger sense of belonging through community and kinships. Many of these films center on the importance of building and maintaining bonds in their examination of the dynamics of diasporic Asian American identity.
This screening features 8 films. Toggle between film descriptions by scrolling and clicking on the buttons on the top right.
A balik/bayan box company owner explores the ways in which balikbayan boxes shaped his perception of the U.S., shedding light on the sacrifices made in pursuit of the “American dream” and the intangible losses that accompany it.
Manny Paez is the founder of Manila Forwarder, a balikbayan box company serving L.A.'s Filipino American community since 1998. Now approaching his retirement from the business, Paez
reflects on the impact of balikbayan boxes throughout his life – from childhood memories of receiving his first box to his own migration to the U.S. in the 1980s. Through poignant vignettes paired with archival images and animation, Paez sheds light on the sacrifices made in pursuit of the "American dream" and
the intangible losses that accompany it.
Director Biography - Paula Kiley
Paula Kiley (she/her) is a multimedia journalist and documentary filmmaker who strives to tell stories that connect and empower people with information, the truth, and most importantly — one another. She most recently worked on a feature documentary titled Body Parts, a Sundance-selected film that explores the evolution of desire and “sex” on-screen from a female perspective — allowing women to reclaim the parts of themselves that have been objectified and exploited for decades. Paula received her BA in journalism and a minor in film at Cal State Long Beach and is currently an digital content coordinator at PBS SoCal where she produces arts and culture stories in the Greater Los Angeles area.
Director Statement
Growing up, the practice of sending and receiving balikbayan boxes enchanted, puzzled, and humbled me. I wondered why my Lola would store Costco-sized cases of Folgers coffee and Vienna Sausage in her closet year round. As I grew older, I questioned the practice and pondered the ways it so concisely symbolizes the experience of many in the Filipino diaspora. The brown box – a stand in for brown bodies that cannot return home. Its items – a means to express love across oceans. The practice – ripples of imperial ravaging reaching through generations.
“BALIK/BAYAN” is a love letter to a practice that holds a special place in the hearts of many in the Filipino diaspora. I wanted to uplift and highlight someone who could speak to the love and pain wrapped up in a balikbayan box. Through Manny’s story, we ponder: What do we gain through this practice? What do we lose? And is it all worth it?
- Year2024
- Runtime7 minutes
- LanguageEnglish
- CountryUnited States
- PremiereOregon
- GenreDocumentary, Animation
- DirectorPaula Kiley
- ProducerPaula Kiley
- CastManny Paez
- Sound DesignJames Chow
This film block contains both documentaries and narratives all centered on finding a stronger sense of belonging through community and kinships. Many of these films center on the importance of building and maintaining bonds in their examination of the dynamics of diasporic Asian American identity.
This screening features 8 films. Toggle between film descriptions by scrolling and clicking on the buttons on the top right.
A balik/bayan box company owner explores the ways in which balikbayan boxes shaped his perception of the U.S., shedding light on the sacrifices made in pursuit of the “American dream” and the intangible losses that accompany it.
Manny Paez is the founder of Manila Forwarder, a balikbayan box company serving L.A.'s Filipino American community since 1998. Now approaching his retirement from the business, Paez
reflects on the impact of balikbayan boxes throughout his life – from childhood memories of receiving his first box to his own migration to the U.S. in the 1980s. Through poignant vignettes paired with archival images and animation, Paez sheds light on the sacrifices made in pursuit of the "American dream" and
the intangible losses that accompany it.
Director Biography - Paula Kiley
Paula Kiley (she/her) is a multimedia journalist and documentary filmmaker who strives to tell stories that connect and empower people with information, the truth, and most importantly — one another. She most recently worked on a feature documentary titled Body Parts, a Sundance-selected film that explores the evolution of desire and “sex” on-screen from a female perspective — allowing women to reclaim the parts of themselves that have been objectified and exploited for decades. Paula received her BA in journalism and a minor in film at Cal State Long Beach and is currently an digital content coordinator at PBS SoCal where she produces arts and culture stories in the Greater Los Angeles area.
Director Statement
Growing up, the practice of sending and receiving balikbayan boxes enchanted, puzzled, and humbled me. I wondered why my Lola would store Costco-sized cases of Folgers coffee and Vienna Sausage in her closet year round. As I grew older, I questioned the practice and pondered the ways it so concisely symbolizes the experience of many in the Filipino diaspora. The brown box – a stand in for brown bodies that cannot return home. Its items – a means to express love across oceans. The practice – ripples of imperial ravaging reaching through generations.
“BALIK/BAYAN” is a love letter to a practice that holds a special place in the hearts of many in the Filipino diaspora. I wanted to uplift and highlight someone who could speak to the love and pain wrapped up in a balikbayan box. Through Manny’s story, we ponder: What do we gain through this practice? What do we lose? And is it all worth it?
- Year2024
- Runtime7 minutes
- LanguageEnglish
- CountryUnited States
- PremiereOregon
- GenreDocumentary, Animation
- DirectorPaula Kiley
- ProducerPaula Kiley
- CastManny Paez
- Sound DesignJames Chow
