The Sine Institute is hosting their second annual Filipino film festival on April 12 and 13, 2025 at Hotel X in Toronto, Ont.
The film festival is a delightful celebration of Filipino cinema that showcases a fantastic lineup of films, blending humour and heartfelt moments that resonate with audiences.
It’s a chance to experience the richness of Filipino storytelling, complete with a unique Visayan film, the classic comedy John en Marsha, heartbreaking documentaries Canadian Adobo and Nurse Unseen, and the fantastic The Kingdom, where we get a chance to imagine Philippines like never before.
Here are the 6 Filipino films shown this weekend:
A man stares back, eyes glistening with tears, and asks the question that haunts all Filipina caregivers: “If I could say anything to my mom right now, I would ask, was it all worth it?”
Canadian Adobo, directed by Kent Donguines, takes a heartfelt look at the emotional ups and downs faced by Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and their families.
Set around group therapy sessions, the film dives into the struggles, sacrifices, and healing journeys of parents and children separated by immigration, offering an honest and touching glimpse into what it really means to stay connected across distance.
Sunshine
Sunshine, directed by Antoinette Jadaone, is a powerful 2024 sports drama that follows a young gymnast whose world is turned upside down when she discovers she’s pregnant just days before national tryouts.
Starring Maris Racal, Elijah Canlas, and Meryll Soriano, the film dives deep into the pressure, passion, and personal struggles faced by young athletes.
After premiering at the Toronto International Film Festival, it made waves at the 2025 Berlinale, where it won the Crystal Bear Award and sold out three screenings.
Now showing at SINÉ Film Fest, Sunshine brings a raw and heartfelt look at resilience, choice, and coming of age under a spotlight.
The Gospel of the Beast
The Gospel of the Beast, directed by Sheron Dayoc and starring Jansen Magpusao, is a gripping coming-of-age drama that marks a powerful moment for Western Visayan cinema.
The film follows 15-year-old Mateo, who goes on the run after accidentally killing a classmate.
He forms a complicated, father-son-like bond with a mysterious man named Berto, through whom he confronts the brutal truths of life, death, and what it means to embrace one’s inner beast.
After sold-out screenings at the Tokyo International Film Festival, this bold and haunting film makes its North American premiere at SINÉ Film Fest.
The Kingdom
The Kingdom, directed by Michael Tuviera and starring Vic Sotto, Piolo Pascual, Cristina Reyes, Sid Lucero, and Sue Ramirez, imagines a bold alternate history where the Philippines was never colonized.
Set in the powerful Kingdom of Kalayaan, the story kicks off with the kidnapping of a ruler’s favored child, sparking a failed rescue mission and an intense, deadly duel.
The film blends action, drama, and a fresh take on Filipino identity, earning praise for its ambitious world-building and all-star cast.
In the Philippines, audiences have been buzzing about its unique premise and high production value, marking it as a standout in local cinema.
Nurse Unseen
Nurse Unseen, directed by Michelle Josue and featured at SINÉ Film Fest, dives into the untold stories of Filipino nurses in the U.S.—a group that makes up a significant part of the healthcare system but is rarely represented in mainstream media.
The documentary shines a light on their heart, resilience, and sacrifices, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, where they faced disproportionate loss.
Through personal stories and historical context, it’s a moving tribute to the Filipino community that’s long been essential but often unseen.
The film will be shown on Saturday, Apr. 12, 2025 starting at 12:30 p.m. at Hotel X located at 111 Princes’ Blvd. in Toronto, Ont.
John & Marsha ’85 sa Probinsiya
John & Marsha ’85 sa Probinsiya, directed by Luciano B. Carlos and starring the legendary Dolphy alongside Nida Blanca, Maricel Soriano, and Dely Atay-Atayan, is a beloved classic that captured the hearts of Filipino audiences with its sharp humour and heartfelt family moments.
Now meticulously restored in stunning 4K, this iconic comedy returns to the big screen for a special presentation screening at Hotel X Toronto by Library Hotel Collection.
It’s a rare chance to experience the timeless charm of John & Marsha in crystal-clear quality—bringing a wave of nostalgia, laughter, and good vibes to both longtime fans and new audiences alike.
