Center for Asian American Media

This short film takes place in San Francisco, 1951, focusing on the experience of a young Filipino American trying to adjust to his predominantly Caucasian workplace. It explores the subtleties of how racism affects members of a multi-ethnic family, most tellingly when a mixed-blood sibling denies his ethnic heritage and “passes” as an Italian American in order to fit in.

Thought provoking and intriguing, SILENCIO is not only an excellent educational resource but also a great tool for diversity training in the workplace in terms of mixed heritage, overt and subtle racism, and racial insensitivity issues.

“…a poignant glimpse at a young man who looks Italian and hides his Filipino ancestry to get a job promotion.”

- San Francisco Chronicle

“Although there are no ‘bad’ guys in SILENCIO, I still wish the piece to be a cautionary tale. Racism is indeed a hateful condition, but racism against oneself is absurdly tragic…”

- Michael Arago, Director

Awards
Second Place, Student Category, Marin County National Festival of Short Films

Recognition
National PBS Broadcast
Popcorn Zen, AZN Broadcast

College/Institution

Note for K-12/Public Library/Community Groups

If there is no discount pricing listed, please contact us.

For details and for previews, email distribution@asianamericanmedia.org
or call (415) 552-9550.