Entertainment

Filipino film ‘Umbag’ to premiere at Golden State Film Festival 2025

Directed by John Ad Castillo, the film will make its Hollywood debut on Feb. 19

By: Gavin Martinez - @inquirerdotnet

INQUIRER.net US Bureau / 10:41 PM February 11, 2025

Photo from Umbag/Facebook

Whenever Manny Pacquiao (aka Pacman) steps into the ring, Filipinos are known to gather in full force, eyes glued to the screen, sharing in the triumphs and trials of one of the nation’s greatest boxing icons. Streets become eerily quiet, as families and communities pause their daily routines to witness history unfold.

This deep-rooted passion for the sport, coupled with the complexities of family dynamics and sibling rivalry, takes center stage in the upcoming Filipino film “Umbag,” which is set to premiere at the Golden State Film Festival 2025.

Directed by John Ad Castillo, “Umbag” will make its Hollywood debut on Wednesday, Feb. 19, at the TCL Chinese Theatre. As an official entry to the global festival, the film will join a lineup of cinematic works from across the globe, with diverse narratives and storytelling brilliance.

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The Golden State Film Festival, known for its commitment to highlighting independent and international filmmakers, offers a prime platform for talents like Castillo to present their vision to a wider audience.

Organized by Net Effect Media Inc., the festival aims to celebrate creative voices worldwide, fostering an environment where filmmakers can share culturally significant stories.

Set against the backdrop of boxing, “Umbag” delves into the Filipino spirit, exploring themes of family bonds, rivalry and redemption. It presents a compelling story that resonates with audiences familiar with the intense yet often inevitable competition within families, particularly in the arena of sports.

Meanwhile, the Philippine Consulate General in Los Angeles proudly supported the film’s inclusion in the said festival. In a social media post, they wrote, “The Philippine Consulate General is proud to support the Hollywood premiere of Umbag, an official entry to the Golden State Film Festival.”