Fil-Am film ‘Red Light Teachers’ explores Filipino immigrants’ struggle
Photo from redlightteachers/Instagram
San Diego filmmakers Chris and Hillary Soriano explore the Filipino American immigrant struggle in the drama film, “Red Light Teachers.”
The film follows Maria, a Filipina who moves to America to teach but is pushed into the world of underground strip clubs. The film is described as an immigrant story of second chances, hitting close to home to many in San Diego.
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The husband and wife duo, who both star in and direct the film, typically feature elements of Filipino or Asian American culture in their projects. Their 2022 film, “Almighty Zeus,” tackles hate crimes against Asians in the US and was produced by Filipino boxer Manny Pacquiao.
For Hilary, her parents and Chris’ parents being immigrants is what fuels her passion to pursue these stories in filmmaking.
“If we [Filipino Americans] are not telling our stories, who else is going to do it, right?” Chris adds.
“Red Light Teachers” premiered in select Regal theaters on Jan. 23 in states including California, Florida and Texas.
The film’s official Instagram account also teases it will be streaming on Amazon Prime.
