Filipino Canadian filmmaker’s ‘Village Keeper’ set for US premiere
Photo from villagekeeperfilm/Instagram
Filipino-produced film “Village Keeper” has been on a roll in different film festivals worldwide, including the Toronto International Film Festival in 2024.
Now, the film is set to make its US premiere at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival (SBIFF) this February.
The festival, running from Feb. 4 to 15, extends its schedule by one day in celebration of its milestone anniversary.
With a growing reputation as a key stop on the awards circuit, SBIFF will feature films from 60 countries, including 33 world premieres and 74 US premieres.
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The film, directed by Karen Chapman, is based on the 2019 short “Measure.”
Filipino filmmaker Enrique Miguel Baniqued, who has already seen “Village Keeper” captivate audiences in Canada, expressed his excitement about bringing the film to an American audience.
Speaking exclusively to Inquirer.net USA and Canada, he shared, “Showcasing Village Keeper to an international audience once again, this time at Santa Barbara… feels deeply fulfilling.”
Having frequently visited California due to family ties, the Filipino Canadian director finds the opportunity particularly meaningful: “As someone who watched a bunch of Hollywood movies growing up, I’m excited to be in that environment. I also get to screen it in front of a bunch of family.”
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At just 24 years old, Baniqued took a leap of faith in making “Village Keeper,” stepping into uncharted creative territory.
“I was pushing myself in ways I hadn’t before, trusting my instincts, and embracing the unknown,” he reflected.
The film’s international reception has reaffirmed his decision, as he sees it resonating with audiences beyond Canada.
“Each screening opens up new conversations, new perspectives, and I’m excited to see how it resonates in the US at such a respected festival,” he said.
Beyond the film screenings, Baniqued is also set to highlight Filipino talent in fashion. He revealed that he will be wearing pieces from Viña Romero, Kelvin Morales, Ched Studio and Barong Filipino from Kultura.
“Their work reflects both tradition and modernity in ways that deeply resonate with me,” the Fil-Canadian filmmaker said.
