Oakland Ilokana
Coming 2025
“Lola” Marie was born in Oakland, California in 1934. A daughter of the Manong generation (the first major wave of immigration from the Philippines to the United States), she is one of the very first Filipina Americans to ever be born. Now, at 90 years old, she reflects on the challenges of her youth, her journey to independence, and the cultural evolution of what it means to be Filipino American.
Through the voices of three generations of Bay Area-born Filipinas — Lola Marie, her daughter Christine, and her granddaughter Elenita — “Oakland Ilokana” subverts expectations and illuminates an under-documented wave of Filipino immigration. In both humor and heartbreak, this short documentary aims to expand consciousness around the Filipino American experience and question the dominant narrative of “who” a FilAm is expected to be.
Fund Oakland Ilokana
We are relying on community funding to bring this independent film to life. Every bit goes a long way for our scrappy team!
“The proposed project would shine a light on the artist’s Lola and 90 years worth of Filipino American history...wonderfully unique historical perspective, clearly accomplished videographer.”
Sponsorship
Our team is seeking financial sponsorship and in-kind donations to support the production of Oakland Ilokana.
Sponsors may be promoted across social media and print marketing materials, have their logo featured in the final film, and offered a speaking opportunity at the community screening event in San Francisco.
Find out more about sponsorship opportunities below:
Special Thanks
This film would not be possible without the support of the Balay Kreative Growth program. Learn more about Balay Kreative’s work in the Soma Pilipinas Cultural District.