Canadian Adobo (2024)

The decision of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) to leave their modest comforts in the Philippines for the promise of a brighter future in Canada is examined through the raw and intimate lens of group therapy. This documentary captures the emotional struggles of parents striving to provide for their families back home, only to face the unexpected challenge of reconnecting with their children, who are also grappling with their new lives in Canada.

Building on his previous work, KALINGA (Care), filmmaker Kent Donguines delves deeper into the impacts of domestic workers’ migration, this time including the perspective of the children. Through candid discussions, the film explores untold stories of family bonds strained by distance and explores the complex journey of healing and understanding. A film that doesn’t just highlight the sacrifices made by OFWs but also provides a platform for their children to express their experiences—both the joys and the heartaches—shedding light on the multifaceted reality of immigration and the enduring hope for reconciliation.

Directed by Kent Donguines

Written & Produced by Kent Donguines & Mackenzie Stannard

  • About

    Through group therapy, Canadian Adobo explores the emotional struggles of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and their families striving to reconnect amidst the challenges of immigration.

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  • Impact campaign

    Learn more about what an impact campaign is and why you are so important to its success: see the Kalinga case study

 

upcoming SCREENINGs

SINÉ Film Fest, Toronto

 
 

Impact goals

  • Uplift

    Encourage Filipino workers to honour their labour and sacrifice within their own communities; support community building.

  • Upskill

    Upskill emotional literacy in migrant workers and their families to prevent estrangement and to promote healthy communication between separated families.

  • Support

    Support the creation of/uplifting of a unified caregiver labour organization that advocates for caregiver rights, and improvement to employment conditions, and other caregiver issues that allows migrant workers to aggregate their voice and power.

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