As a multi‐ethnic American of Filipino heritage, Patrick uses a cine‐ethnographic approach to discover what it is to be an American Filipino. Beginning in Las Vegas, Nevada, we are introduced to Aurelio Dela Cruz, a first generation Filipino and American World War II veteran. Aurelio’s description of Filipino identity through bloodline and family togetherness leads to interviews of Ceasar Elpidio and Luke Perry, hosts of radio talk show, the “Two Guys Show” and a fiesta observation of the first Briones family reunion outside of the Philippines. Returning to Los Angeles, California, Patrick narrows the quest of individual American Filipino identity with visits to heritage sites in Historic Filipinotown and personal experience interviews of his father, Patrick Gadut, Sr. and friend, Gwen Velasco. Despite adverse generational struggles of heritage recognition, hyphenated identity, and discovery of ethnic discrimination, Ameri‐Pino reveals the strengths of the American Filipino community.
Running time: 25 minutes
Ameri‐Pino: Recognizing Filipino Heritage in America
by Patrick Gadut, MVA 2014