Filipino community activists and multigenerational families in San Francisco’s South of Market claim a right to the city as they battle displacement caused by urban renewal, real estate speculation and tech booms, and in doing so sustain the cultural heart of the Filipino-American community
Synopsis
The “Sa Amin: Our Place” documentary is the untold story of Filipinos in San Francisco’s South of Market neighborhood, the cultural heart of the Filipino-American community. The film tells the story of how Filipino activists, artists and intergenerational families are claiming a right to the city, battling against displacement caused by urban renewal, real estate speculation, and tech booms. It features powerful interviews of current residents and community leaders covering decades of organizing, including Teresa Dulalas who challenged eviction after eviction; teacher and parent, Tina Alejo, who fought to keep open the Filipino bilingual program; and Janine Lacap, part of the next generation of leaders. “Sa Amin” also features archival footage from the 1970s by the late Filipino documentary filmmaker Sam Tagatac, never seen until now. Telling this story will change the larger narrative about San Francisco and help the South of Market’s Filipino community claim physical spaces- to save homes and to sustain it as a cultural hub.
Co-Directors
Dyan Ruiz
Nix Guirre
Produced By
[people.power.media]
Fay Darmawi
Executive Producer
SF Urban Film Fest
Music Composer and Sound Design
Rachel Lastimosa
Interviewees
Raquel Redondiez, Mary Ann Masagca, Tina Alejo, Teresa Dulalas, Janine Lacap, Marti Dulalas, Alleluia Panis, MC Canlas, Tony Grafilo, Bob Ilumin, Ron Muriera, Jeanne Batallones, Angelica Cabande
Film Length
44 minutes
Awards and Laurels
DisOrient
DisOrient is the premiere Asian American independent film festival of Oregon, celebrating films that embody authentic Asian Pacific American voices, histories, and stories. The festival highlights social justice themes that resonate as universal human experiences. It promotes representation, diversity, and inclusion to expand the narrative of what it means to be American, and to strengthen and build community.
Our Team
Dyan Ruiz - Co-Director
Dyan (she/her) is a journalist, storyteller, and community organizer. She was born in Quezon City, Philippines and grew up in Toronto, Canada. She is Co-Founder of non-profit media organization [people. power. media] based in San Francisco.
Nix Guirre - Co-Director
Nix (they/she) is a documentary filmmaker and cultural worker based in the Bay Area and born in the Philippines. They are currently the Program and Communications coordinator for SOMA Pilipinas, San Francisco’s Filipino Heritage Cultural District.
Joseph Smooke - Editor
Joseph (he/him) is a photojournalist, videographer and community organizer. He is Co-Founder of San Francisco-based [people. power. media].
Fay Darmawi - Producer
Fay (she/her) is the Founder and Executive Director of the SF Urban Film Fest. She was born in Jakarta, Indonesia, grew up in the Washington, DC suburbs and lives in San Francisco with her college-aged twin sons.
Rachael Lastimosa - Music Composer and Sound Design
Rachel Lastimosa (she/they/siya) is a second generation Ilokana with ancestry from Kalinga Apayao, Ilocos Sur and Ifugao. She is an interdisciplinary artist, producer and performer, scoring for theater and film, and has toured nationally and internationally as a performing musician.
Sa Amin Film
Sharing the untold stories of Filipinos in San Francisco’s South of Market neighborhood, the cultural heart of the Filipino-American community. Connect with us on social media to hear about in-person and virtual screenings, updates on our team and community members interviewed in the film, and how you can get involved!