Filipino-Canadian Jon Jon Rivero, writer and co-director of the award-winning documentary feature Balikbayan: From Victims to Survivors, is pleased to premiere the film in Manila on Thursday, November 9.
The documentary examines Rivero – an occupational therapist and trauma specialist – and his team’s volunteer work, providing trauma support and disaster relief in Tacloban, Leyte in the wake of Super Typhoon Yolanda in November 2013.
“I could not be more honored to share our film with our fellow Filipinos in the Philippines,” says Rivero. “We first screened it in 2020 but due to the pandemic and my wife Paula and I starting our young family, we weren’t able to launch it in the Philippines until now. As it turns out, we’ve
arrived at the 10-year anniversary of this devastating typhoon, which makes our message of love, hope and resilience even more meaningful.”
Paula Rivero, herself a certified trauma practitioner and pediatric psychotherapist, figures prominently in the film and will also participate in the Manila premiere, which is followed by a Q&A panel.
The Riveros are inviting members of the international media community as well as the film community to attend and share in this special event.
Balikbayan: From Victims to Survivors – Philippine Documentary Premiere November 9, 2023
Cinematheque Theater
855 T.M. Kalaw Street, Ermita, Manila
5:30 PM – OPENING
5:45 PM – FILM SCREENING
7:30 PM – Q&A PANEL
The Manila premiere is co-hosted by the Embassy of Canada to the Philippines, which will be marking the 75th Anniversary of relations between Canada and the Philippines in 2024. It will also be co-hosted by the Royal Norwegian Embassy and the Film Development Council of the Philippines.
Balikbayan: From Victims to Survivors won the Audience Choice Award for Best Documentary at the 2020 Edmonton International Film Festival, Exceptional Merit at the Docs Without Borders Film Festival, Best Feature Film at the Asian Cinematography Awards, nominated for Best
Documentary at the 2021 Rosie Awards, and was an official selection at the L.A. Sun Film Fest 2020, the Compassion Film Fest 2020 and the 2021 Regina International Film Festival.