FILM
As a filmmaker, Rialin tells stories based on her experience as a first-generation Filipina American.
Recently, Rialin’s film MISS ASWANG (2020) was Officially Selected in the 2021 Diwa Filipino Film Showcase of Seattle, and in the 17th Houston Asian American Pacific Islander Film Festival (HAAPI).
Tahanan (Home) (2021)
writer + director + cinematographer
This experimental short film is a personal exploration of the word "home" and what it means to the filmmaker. She then begins to wonder if she could ever create a home for herself, and what it could possibly look like.
MISS ASWANG (2020)
writer + director
On her sixteenth birthday, DI VILLANUEVA is faced with an ASWANG—an evil mythical creature of Filipino folklore—which pushes her to confront the roots she has tried so hard to ignore.
Official Selection of:
2021 Diwa Filipino Film Showcase of Seattle
17th Houston Asian American Pacific Islander (HAAPI) Film Festival
Anak na Amerikana (American Daughter) (2018)
writer + director
CW: Emotional/verbal abuse
Lectured by her emotionally abusive father about her “American“ attitude, Malaya is accused of not having any “utang na loob.” Their powerful exchange explores the harsh realities of an immigrant parent and their relationship with their American-born child.
Sinangag (Fried Rice) (2018)
writer + director
CW: Grief
A daughter disagrees with how her mother has prepared her favorite dish because it does not follow her late lola’s (grandmother) recipe, resulting in an argument over who cared for the grandmother more.
as in oriental (2018)
writer + director + cinematographer
CW: Racism, sexual imagery
This experimental short film captures and explores negative perceptions of Asians in America, and is an angry response from the perspective of an Asian-American female filmmaker. Born from a discussion regarding the existence of “oriental” flavored ramen noodles, as in oriental uncovers the objectifying nature of the word “oriental,” and furthermore, the consequences of its usage.
SCREENED AT COLUMBIA COLLEGE CHICAGO'S 2018 MANIFEST URBAN ARTS FESTIVAL AS PART OF AN ART INSTALLATION
WHEN WE WERE TWENTY (2017)
writer + director + cinematographer
A Philippine-born mother and her American-born daughter discuss what their lives were like at the age of twenty, and how they compare to each other.
SPECIAL MENTION in ASIA SOUTH-EAST SHORT FILM FESTIVAL 2018
MY LOLA THE HEALER (2017)
writer + director + cinematographer
An actual conversation within a Filipino family, in which a mother reveals to her daughter that her lola (grandmother) was a “healer.” This piece highlights a belief in the supernatural that lingers in Filipino culture, particularly through a narrative of the "mangkukulam" (witches), magic, and religion.
Featured in Stories of My Ancestors: A Storytelling Showcase, in celebration of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month 2017 (at HAUS at the Quincy Wong Center for Artistic Expression)
Kapangyarihan ni Nanay (A Mother’s Power) (2017)
writer + director + cinematographer
Within a family that often finds itself in a state of chaos, there is one person that is guaranteed to mediate any difficult situation, almost as though it is her superpower.
FINALIST for Emmy's 2017 JCS International Young Creatives Award
INANG (2016)
writer + director + cinematographer
CW: Mild blood
“INANG” is Ilocano for “mother.” This documentary follows the life of a Filipina mother living in Chicago, and explores the reality of her “American dream.” Semi-religious, semi-diabetic, and a semi-nurse, she realizes that her life is not exactly the way that she had planned. In spite of this, she revisits old dreams and new hopes, while also emanating Filipino heritage. She shares all of this with her daughter (Rialin) and her camera. The following footage was recorded over a one-week period.