ARTÉFEST
Diamonds in the Sand (2026)
Divorced salaryman Yoji has just buried his mother in Tokyo. With few meaningful relationships left, he comes to grips with the realization that he has nothing to live for.
A chance encounter with Minerva, a Filipina migrant worker who appears to sense his sadness, urges him to see his situation in a new way. A former nightclub entertainer, Minerva now works as a caregiver to provide for her only child in the Philippines.
For all its drawbacks and discomforts, the chaos of the unfamiliar city offers Yoji the promise of life, human connection, and an unpredictable destiny – anything but the dark, silent certainty of kodokushi.
Asian Persuasion (2024)
Asian Persuasion is the outlandish story of a down-on-his-luck chef, Mickey de Los Santos, who cooks up a crazy scheme to marry off his ex-wife, Avery Chua, by setting her up with a fake internet dating profile in an attempt to find her a suitor to re-marry in order to avoid his substantial alimony obligations. With the help of his trusted wingman, Mickey gets off to a hot start - until he realizes he wants a second chance with Avery. He might be too late.
The Road to Sydney (2025)
Sydney Loyola, a Philippine dance master and choreographer, grew up in Palawan, Philippines, where she found comfort in dance while facing bullying as a child. Living in the San Francisco Bay Area, she navigates the challenges of job loss and potential eviction after her gender affirmation. As she steps into her life as a woman, Sydney begins a personal journey of healing—reconnecting with her roots, reclaiming her art, and seeking to rebuild her relationship with her estranged father.
Lava (2014)
Lava is a Pixar musical animated short film about Uku, a lonely tropical volcano in the Pacific Ocean who sings a heartfelt song of love for millions of years, longing for a mate. He slowly sinks into the sea, unaware that Lele, a female volcano, has heard him and fallen in love. They unite when she rises to the surface.
About the Festival
ARTÉ: Stories from the Diaspora is a boutique film festival dedicated to showcasing films that explore the complexities, beauty, and depth of the Filipino American diaspora. From intergenerational stories of migration and resilience to intimate portraits of identity, becoming, belonging, and culture — this festival curates a cinematic experience that centers Filipino American lives, values, and voices. By spotlighting emerging and established filmmakers, ARTÉ aims to inspire dialogue, foster cultural pride, and create a platform for storytelling that reflects the diverse narratives of Filipinos in America.
Board of Advisors
Theresa is a Pinay cultural worker and working mama whose career spans two decades. She is currently Co-Director and COO at Catapult Film Fund, a SF-based nonprofit providing early-stage support for independent documentaries. Previously, Theresa was vice president of external affairs at American Documentary, the producer of iconic PBS series POV. An Independent Spirit Award-nominated producer, her credits include Emmy-nominated anthology series America Reframed and sci-fi feature Advantageous, winner of the special jury prize at the 2015 Sundance Film Festival.
Andy Beall is a veteran animator, director, and creative leader with over three decades of experience at the forefront of the animation industry. As a key member of the Senior Creative Team at Pixar Animation Studios, Andy has been a pivotal force in shaping the visual storytelling of modern classics, including The Iron Giant, The Incredibles, Ratatouille and Up to name a few. Beyond his work as an artist and executive, Andy is a dedicated advocate for community outreach, frequently visiting hospitals to share the magic of animation with young fans. He also serves on the board of BAYCAT, a San Francisco-based nonprofit and media academy committed to creating anti-racist career pathways for the next generation of diverse storytellers.