What does the average American know about Filipinos who've been in this country for more than 400 years... who have helped in the development and advancement of this nation? This is a story that has never been told. It's rich United States history and it's a story that should be told. . . Filipino Americans have been a quiet voice in promoting their contributions to American society. This video will hopefully open America's eyes to what Filipino Americans have gone through and contributed."
- Fred Cordova, Author/Historian.
Filipino Americans: Discovering Their Past for the Future is the first in-depth documentary produced about the oldest and one of the largest Asian American ethnics in the United States. From the California coast in 1587 and Louisiana bayous in 1763, unsung Filipino American men and women in universities and colleges, Hawaiian plantations, California migrant farms, Alaskan fish canneries, labor organizations, U.S. Navy and Army, and family, social, cultural affairs significantly have contributed to the American way of life. This is their story. It's entertaining, it's educational and appeals to kids from 3 to 93!
Distributed by Wehman Video Distribution, 1994; VHS, 54 min.
CINE Golden Eagle Award
"...as evidence of its suitability to represent American production in international festivals."
The Council on International Nontheatrical Events, Washington D.C.
Bronze Award
Grand Awards Jury
The 27th Annual WorldFest - Houston International Film & Video Festival, May 4, 1994
"...the information is so good and the telling of it is so compelling that the message transcends the method..."
- The San Diego Union-Tribune Video Tracks
"...(The documentary) brings Filipino American history to life through interviews with historians, readings from historical letters and transcriptions, more than 300 historical photos and diaries..."
- Star Bulletin, Honolulu, Hawaii
"Using a wealth of vintage stills...this smoothly edited program follows the path of Filipino immigrants... this moving documentary is an important cultural record."
- American Library Association Booklist
"Video shows Filipino labor, lives in U.S."
- Northwest Asian Weekly, Seattle, February 5, 1994
"Film depicts history"
- The Beacon, Virginia Beach, VA, May 22, 1994
"Film illuminates"
- The Mass Media, University of Massachusetts, Boston, May 31, 1994
"A solid portrait (...of a resilient, proud people who worked hard to gain a place for themselves in American society, and succeeded)."
- Chicago Tribune, June 17, 1994
"...Explores the history of one of America's largest ethnic groups."
- Northwest Ethnic News, Seattle, May 1995