Philippine Consulate General and Partners Spotlight Groundbreaking Filipino Filmmakers in New York

The panelists shared how their innovative approach and cultural identity have shaped their careers, informed their creative choices, and propelled them to make their mark in the film industry. (Photo by Joey Magaso)

NEW YORK, 29 October 2025 – The Philippine Consulate General in New York and the Philippine Trade and Investment Center in New York, in partnership with Likha Labs and Sulo: The Philippine Studies Initiative at New York University, hosted the forum “Lights, Camera, Filipinnovation: Groundbreaking Filmmakers” at the Philippine Center in New York. The event showcased the creativity and resilience of Filipinos in the film industry, who are making their mark on the international stage.

The forum featured powerful keynotes from Producer / Marketing and Communications Executive Jeremiah Abraham and Actor / Producer / Director Regina Aquino, who shared how their Filipino heritage has influenced their work. They emphasized the crucial role of community support and the power of storytelling in gaining industry recognition and creating a lasting impact.

Mr. Jeremiah Abraham and Ms. Regina Aquino deliver their keynote address during the forum on “Lights, Camera, Filipinnovation: Groundbreaking Filmmakers.” (Photo by Joey Magaso)

“It is about pioneering new perspectives, forging new narratives, and bringing underrepresented stories to life,” said Consul General Senen T. Mangalile. “The Filipino-Americans we honor tonight are innovators in the truest sense, using the power of cinema to explore, express, and elevate the Filipino experience”.

The program highlight was a panel discussion moderated by Philadelphia Asian American Film Festival Creative Director, Joseph Carranza. The panel featured an impressive lineup of Filipina filmmakers: Isabel Sandoval (Director and Actor), Diane Paragas (Writer, Director, and Producer), Ramona Diaz (Director and Producer), Michaela Ternasky-Holland (XR Director and Creative Strategist), Gigi Dement (Producer).

The panelists collectively discussed how their innovative approaches and cultural identities have shaped their careers, informed their creative choices, and enabled them to make their mark on the international scene. They also spoke to the resilience of women in the film industry as they champion immigrant stories.

(Left photo) Consul General Senen T. Mangalile and (Right photo) Trade Commissioner Alma F. Argayoso deliver their remarks during the forum. (Photo by Joey Magaso and Nikka Arenal)

Trade Commissioner Alma F. Argayoso concluded the forum by outlining ongoing Philippine initiatives designed to support Filipino creatives, including funding, collaboration opportunities, and infrastructure development through the Philippine Creative Industries Development Act (PCIDA) and the Malikhaing Pinoy Program.

(L-R) Consul General Senen T. Mangalile, Trade Commissioner Alma Argayoso, Ms. Christina DeHaven-Call, Mr. Joseph Carranza, Ms. Ramona Diaz, Ms. Isabel Sandoval, Ms. Diane Paragas, Ms. Michaela Ternasky-Holland, Ms. Gigi Dement, Ms. Regina Aquino, and Mr. Jeremiah Abraham gather for a group photo at the conclusion of the forum. (Photo by Joey Magaso)

This forum marked the eighth installment of the Filipinnovation series, which continues to celebrate Filipino creativity and leadership across industries while inspiring the next generation of innovators. END