Diwa [Shorts Session 5]
Director
Aina Dumlao
Aina was born & raised in the Philippines – a country where, unless you were born into privilege, opportunities for a good life are scarce. 10.2 million Filipinos work abroad & remittances account for 13.5% of the GDP. Which is why Diwa is near and dear to her heart.
As an actress, Aina is currently recurring on two shows – HBO’s Ballers and CBS’ MacGyver.
As a partner at Undercurrent Films, Aina has written, produced and directed commercials for Western Union, Head & Shoulders, Nestle, Bayer and Window Nation.
Bru Muller
Initially, Bru was a working actor in Los Angeles (NCIS, Alias, The Future, King of the Hill) before founding Undercurrent Films with Aina.
Most recently, he produced, directed and edited a pilot pitch for HBO titled Single & Borderline Desperate.
Director Statement
Our greatest story-telling influences are Japanese directors Akira Kurosawa (Seven Samurai, Ikiru, High & Low) and Yasujiro Ozu (Tokyo Story, Late Spring). Kurosawa’s films are charged with extraordinary emotion and often terrible violence. Ozu focuses on the quiet desperation and struggle within families.
At their core, both Kurosawa and Ozu’s films examine the human condition.
“Diwa” examines the human condition of immigrants in today’s America.
Our film is a hard, realistic look at the plight of undocumented immigrant workers victimized by violent crimes and the obstacles they face – all told thru the eyes of one female victim.
We want to use Diwa’s story to give voice to the plight of all immigrants as well as victims of violence and prejudice everywhere.
We feel a great responsibility to bring important, untold stories like “Diwa” to life.”
Festivals/Awards
Dances With Films Los Angeles, Woods Hole Film Festival