Born in Seattle to a Filipina immigrant and an American father, I never quite knew where I fit. Part brown, part white—never enough for either side. Growing up, I was inspired by activists and filmmakers like MLK, Larry Itliong, Spike Lee and Gus Van Sant. Those who gave voice to the voiceless and were unapologetically themselves—I wanted to be like them.
As I grew in film, the relationship between my artistry and activism blossomed and I better understood the power filmmaking has to make revolutionary, meaningful change. My approach as a filmmaker is to work with love and passion and to find ways—whether it be through story or behind the camera—to uplift and ride for the people, with hopes to change hackneyed cultural narratives and stereotypes. I’ve consistently used my position to shine a light on important human issues such as racism, incarceration, classism, bodily autonomy, same-sex marriage and gun control.
In pursuit of this, I helmed the PSA “Thoughts and Prayers” for March for Our Lives (MFOL). I was drawn to the project because of its unapologetic approach to calling out politicians. That, and because, like many Americans, my life too has sadly been touched by gun violence.