SDFC Perspective Film Series: A is for Agustin
Online film screening and Q&A with filmmaker Grace Pimentel Simbulan Moderated by SDFC Executive Director and filmmaker Benito Bautista Synopsis: Living in a remote corner of the Philippine islands, Agustin is a tribesman who loves to sing, but never had the opportunity to learn to read or write. When his boss cheats him out of his wages seemingly for the thousandth time, 40-year old Agustin decides to enroll in grade 1. Over the next six years, however, Agustin becomes increasingly torn between two realities – the children’s world in school, and the increasingly harsh reality of the world outside. As the needs of his family mount, and as food and money becomes increasingly scarce, Agustin must decide whether to continue his own quest for self-improvement – or pass the opportunity on to his son. Filmed and told in an immersive style, the film invites the audience to hope and dream with Agustin, and to understand the harsh reality that makes his optimism — and the optimism of many indigenous in his situation — ultimately so fragile. Nominee for Best First Feature, Young Critics Circle, Philippines / Official Selection, DMZ International Film Festival, So. Korea / Official Selection, QCinema International Film Festival, Philippines / Official Selection, Hainan Island International Film Festival, China / Official Selection, Cinema Rehiyon XII, Philippines. Film runtime 1hr 13min. The Vimeo link to watch the film and the Q&A Zoom link will be emailed to ticket holders 10 min before the event starts. Watch out for the email from San Diego Filipino Cinema. Screening is open within U.S. only Screening is free to SDFC members For questions, email [email protected]