Embedded Files
ALPAS
ALPAS
Avery Valdez is a new high school senior who questions her cultural identity as she embarks on a new chapter in her life. As the story unfolds, pieces of her past and identity are revealed. With the help of her friend, Charlie, who takes her to the Yuchengco Museum to look at masterpieces by Filipino artists, Avery is inspired and ultimately decides to become a journalist who writes about Filipino culture and identity.
ARTISTS STATEMENT
Alpas is a film about a journey we all eventually have to partake in — the journey of self-discovery and cultural identity. We wish to explore how our Filipino heritage can be shattered, beaten down, but eventually rebuilt in the right environment. Our group’s interest in this topic is rooted in our personal experiences as Filipino youth living in an increasingly globalized and Anglo-centric society.
In this quest to create a relatable, down-to-earth, and informative artwork, our group first had to decide on the medium. We were already set on an artwork about learning our national identity, but were confused about what medium would best encapsulate our vision. We finally decided on film, as we believed that the aspects of music, cinematography, and dialogue could truly pull the viewer into our world — a world of self-discovery and Filipino identity.
After our decision, our group immediately got to work. We created our main characters, Avery and Charlie, to better represent the search for identity. We designed Avery as someone we could relate to — lost and confused, but still curious and persistent. To pair with Avery, we created Charlie, an outgoing, extroverted character who would introduce Avery to the beauty and diversity of Filipino culture.
While creating the film, our group gained many new insights and experiences. We were able to research and reflect on our personal experiences, realizing how some daily occurrences that we accept are actually anti-Filipino. For example, Executive Order 210 mandates English as the medium of instruction in schools. Upon this realization, our group wanted to share these experiences and perhaps open your eyes to the blatant anti-Filipino bias.
Overall, our group invites viewers to share in and partake of our vision of a generation that is prouder and knowledgeable about our identity. We hope that each frame and clip cultivates within you a greater appreciation and recognition of our culture. Accompany Avery as she discovers and understands — what it truly means to be “Filipino”.
Page updated
Report abuse