FIESTA FILIPINO

THANK YOU, BLAS GROUP REAL ESTATE

Your partnership helps bring Filipino stories, local filmmakers, and multicultural voices to the screen.

Thank you for supporting SineMa 2026 and helping us celebrate community, culture, and creativity through film.

SineMa 2026 Brings Powerful Filipino Stories to Calgary Screens

CALGARY, AB — From the ancient mountains of the Cordilleras to the lives of Filipino Canadians shaping Alberta today, SineMa 2026 returns to Calgary on June 19 and 20 with two unforgettable days of film, music, and cultural celebration at the Performance Hall of Studio Bell, home of the National Music Centre.

Presented by Fiesta Filipino, the Philippine Consulate General in Calgary, and the National Music Centre, SineMa 2026 will spotlight stories that challenge, inspire, and connect audiences across generations and cultures. Through award-winning documentaries, compelling narratives, live performances, and filmmaker conversations, the festival celebrates the many ways Filipino stories continue to shape Canada's cultural landscape.

The festival opens on June 19 with a vibrant Cordillera music and dance performances from Northern Philippines, followed by the Calgary premier of Treasure of the Rice Terraces. Directed by Kent Donguines, the documentary follows a Filipino Canadian filmmaker's journey to reconnect with his roots through the legendary Kalinga tattoo artist Apo Whang-od, exploring a living tradition that has become a powerful symbol of Filipino identity around the world.

On June 20, audiences will experience Daluyong (Swell), an evocative collection of documentary and narrative shorts by Filipino Canadian filmmakers. Featuring Assembly, The Boxing Ring, Roots to Table, and Nasaan, the program explores themes of migration, family, identity, land, and belonging through stories deeply rooted in Canadian experiences.

A highlight of this year's festival is the work of Calgary-based filmmakers Nic Nolet and Ralph Gonzales. Nolet's documentary Assembly shines a light on community efforts to protect Alberta's iconic landscapes, while Gonzales' Roots to Table explores Filipino identity and belonging through the lens of food and family. Their films showcase the talent of local creators whose stories resonate far beyond Calgary, reflecting the growing impact of Filipino Canadian voices in the arts.

The festival concludes with a special presentation of the acclaimed Filipino musical drama Ang Larawan, presented by the Philippine Consulate General in Calgary. Directed by Loy Arcenas and featuring music by National Artist Ryan Cayabyab, the film is widely regarded as one of the Philippines' most celebrated contemporary musical productions.

As Calgary's Filipino community continues to grow and contribute to the social, cultural, and economic fabric of the city, SineMa 2026 offers a rare opportunity for audiences of all backgrounds to experience stories that are deeply personal, profoundly universal, and uniquely Filipino.
This Filipino Heritage Month, SineMa invites Calgary to see the world through Filipino eyes—and discover stories that resonate far beyond the screen.

June 19 - Opening Night - Treasure of The Rice Terraces
https://www.studiobell.ca/whats-on/event/sinema-2026-opening-night-treasure-of-the-rice-terraces

June 20 - Matinee Local Shorts Block
https://www.studiobell.ca/whats-on/event/sinema-2026-local-shorts-block

June 20 - Closing Feature - Ang Larawan
https://www.studiobell.ca/whats-on/event/sinema-2026-closing-ang-larawan

Music has a way of bringing us back to one another.

Nasaan is a moving short film about an immigrant family reconnecting through music, navigating distance, memory, and the ties that bind generations together. Through heartfelt performances and intimate storytelling, the film reminds us that home can often be found in the songs we share.

These stills offer a glimpse into this touching story ahead of its Calgary Premiere at SineMa 2026 on June 20.

📍 Studio Bell, Home of the National Music Centre
📅 June 20, 2026

Join us in celebrating Filipino Canadian storytelling and the power of music to bridge cultures, families, and generations.

FilipinoHeritageMonth