About the Festival

In the summer of 2003, members of the Filipino American Network (FAN) envisioned a unique event that would celebrate the work of Filipino and Filipino American filmmakers. Our mission was two-fold. Primarily, it was to support and highlight Filipino filmmakers in the U.S., Canada and the Philippines. But in keeping with FAN’s vision of service to our local community, we also intended for the Festival to educate and enrich our Filipino American community.

Since its founding, the Chicago Filipino American Film Festival has provided thousands of Chicago’s Filipino Americans, and a growing number of our non-Filipino neighbors, with an opportunity to witness the growth of dozens of Filipino American filmmakers and performers, and experience the rich and colorful cinema of the Philippines. Along the way, the Festival has become a mainstay of the community’s cultural showcase.

Although the festival has its roots at the local level, the impact of this ongoing celebration of Filipinos in film and media has been global in scope. The Festival has become one of few annual Filipino film festivals outside of the Philippines; and it boasts the U.S., Chicago and world premieres of dozens of feature films. This festival has become a destination for films that have gained international critical and festival recognition, and a showcase for undiscovered talent from the U.S. and the Philippines.

Filipino American Network

What does it mean to be an American of Filipino descent? What does it mean to be a Filipino in America? The Filipino American Network (FAN) recognizes that our generation has greatly differing needs, challenges and experiences. FAN also recognizes that we have many gifts and resources to offer to both our Filipino and American communities.

We seek to call, challenge and serve fellow young Filipino American adults by providing resources and connections that will enrich their lives, support their growth and deepen their self-awareness of our Filipino heritage. FAN is a not-for-profit organization based in Chicago.

Our programs currently include:

SLC/Believe – campaign to raise scholarships for students in the Philippines
Passport to the World: Philippines at the Children’s Museum, on Chicago’s Navy Pier.
Children’s Tagalog-English Bookreading Series
AdoboFest Community Celebration
Beyond The Barrelman Exhibition of Filipino Art
Chicago Filipino American Film Festival
Holiday Gift Basket Drive for Seniors
Professional development and social networking events
Cultural and educational programming
Links to community-oriented programs and action groups
Forums for discussion, development, sharing and learning