EdukSine: Filipino film fest launches with free streaming of movies
Karen Jane Salutan Krukover, founder and CEO of EdukSine, speaks during a screening at Harvard University in December, promoting her free online Filipino streaming platform for students. The Fil-Am filmmaker moved to New York in 2023. CONTRIBUTED
NEW YORK CITY – EdukSine, the first and only free streaming platform for all Filipino independent films, is set to launch the inaugural EdukSine Online Filipino Film Festival, running from March to May 2025.
This online event, the first of its kind, will highlight the richness of Filipino cinema, featuring 10 award-winning independent films and a selection of short films available for free streaming across the US and Canada.
According to New York-based filmmaker Karen Jane Salutan-Krukover, founder of EdukSine Studios and EdukSine USA, the festival is a celebration of Filipino culture and resilience.
“This festival reflects my journey as a Filipino immigrant and our collective stories as a people,” she told Inquirer.net USA.
The initiative has garnered support from various organizations, including the Philippine Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), DTI Los Angeles, and the Philippine Consulates General in San Francisco and Los Angeles.
Salutan-Krukover said that EdukSine began as a small effort to bring Filipino films to underserved regions but has evolved into a digital platform that reaches audiences worldwide.
“Thanks to the [Philippine] Department of Science and Technology, this festival marks a significant milestone in promoting Filipino arts on a global stage,” she said.
EdukSine online Filipino film fest poster
Among the highlights is “Baliw na Pag-ibig,” a romantic comedy short film by Salutan-Krukover, which pays tribute to her late parents, who were her first supporters and actors. “This film celebrates their love and the impact they’ve had on my life,” she said.
The festival will showcase films across various themes, including agriculture, the journeys of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), family bonds, and social issues. “Each film tells a unique story, shedding light on the challenges and triumphs faced by Filipinos.”
A short film competition will also be held to spotlight emerging voices in Filipino cinema, with cash prizes and incentives for winners.
“Supporting Filipino cinema is crucial for preserving our heritage and celebrating our culture,” Salutan-Krukover said. “This festival is an opportunity for us to reconnect with our roots and support filmmakers who are sharing our stories.”
“The festival’s promotional poster features symbols of Filipino resilience, such as the carabao and the Philippine eagle, representing strength and ambition. The iconic jeepney and a soaring plane symbolize creativity and the immigrant journey, respectively, while a golden sunrise signifies hope and new beginnings.”
Salutan-Krukover said her team, consisting of co-founders in the Philippines and over 30 youth volunteers, is working collaboratively to make the festival a reality, showcasing the power of teamwork despite geographical distances.
“EdukSine USA aims to bring Filipino films to a global audience, ensuring that the stories of Filipino filmmakers receive the recognition they deserve,” she said.
For updates on how to access the films and the full list of participating works, visit EdukSine.com or follow EdukSine Studios on Facebook and Instagram.
