New York, USA, February 26, 2025 – EdukSine USA Corporation and EdukSine Studios Corporation are proud to announce the launch of its inaugural EdukSine Online Filipino Film Festival: A Festival of Filipino Films, A Home Away from Home, set to run from March to May 2025. This online celebration of Filipino cinema will showcase 10 award-winning independent films, along with a curated selection of short films, all available for free streaming across the US and Canada. This festival is made possible through the support of DTI Philippines, DTI Los Angeles, the Malikhaing Pinoy Program, the InArte Society from Canada, and the Philippine Consulate Generals in San Francisco, Calgary and Los Angeles. Special thanks to DTI Assistant Secretary, Foreign Trade Service Corps, May Niña Celynne Layug and Trade Commissioner Eric Elnar of DTI Los Angeles and DIWA Filipino film festival , The Filipino School of New York & New Jersey, Philippine American friendship community inc and Embassy of the republic of the philippines washington d.c who worked tirelessly to make this great project possible. 

The festival is led by Karen Jane Salutan-Krukover, a Filipino immigrant and founder of EdukSine Studios in the Philippines, and EdukSine USA Corporation. Karen’s dedication to Filipino arts and culture is reflected in her journey from the Philippines to the United States, where she’s built a platform for Filipino filmmakers and artists globally. This festival is a testament to her resilience and strength, fueled by her personal story of overcoming profound challenges, including the passing of both her parents. With the support of her husband, Dennis Krukover, Co-Founder, Executive Producer, and angel investor of EdukSine USA, this festival aims to showcase Filipino culture through the lens of Filipino cinema.

EdukSine began as a small effort to bring Filipino films to underserved regions, including the mountain villages of Kalinga and the coastal province of Tawi-Tawi. Over time, it has transformed into a digital platform with the help of DOST (Department of Science and Technology), allowing Filipino films to reach audiences worldwide. This festival marks a significant milestone in EdukSine’s mission to promote Filipino culture and arts on a global stage.

The festival will also feature Baliw na Pag-ibig, a romantic comedy short film from Karen, which will be released after seven years. The film features her late parents, who were not only her first supporters but also her first actors and ticket sellers. This film is a tribute to their memory, celebrating their lives and the love they always gave her.

A Festival of Filipino Stories

The EdukSine USA Online Filipino Film Festival is more than just a film screening event. It is a celebration of the Filipino spirit and resilience. The films featured in the festival span various genres and themes, including:

Each film tells a unique story of the Filipino experience, shedding light on the challenges and triumphs of our people, and reinforcing our collective strength.

Short Film Competition

As part of the festival, there will be a Short Film Competition in the short film category.  It aims to highlight new and emerging voices in Filipino cinema. Cash prizes and other incentives will be awarded to the winners, offering filmmakers the opportunity to showcase their work on an international stage and gain recognition for their creativity and storytelling.

Why Support Filipino Films?

Cinema is a powerful tool for social change, and Filipino films are no exception. Through storytelling, Filipino filmmakers give voice to the voiceless, and they tell the stories that shape the Filipino identity. These films capture the heart and soul of the Filipino people—from the struggles of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) to the love that binds Filipino families, from the resilience of Filipino women to the dreams that drive our community forward.

Supporting Filipino cinema is about preserving our heritage, celebrating our culture, and ensuring that future generations can understand and appreciate the Filipino story. This festival is an opportunity to watch, listen, and learn, to reconnect with our roots, embrace our culture with pride, and support Filipino filmmakers who are sharing their stories on a global stage.

The Power of Cinema: A Story of Resilience

The festival’s poster is a powerful reflection of the Filipino journey. At the center, the carabao symbolizes the strength and resilience of the Filipino people—representing hard work, perseverance, and determination. Soaring above it, the Philippine eagle represents ambition and hope, reminding everyone to rise above challenges and strive for greatness, no matter the circumstances.

The jeepney, an iconic symbol of the Philippines, represents creativity, resourcefulness, and unity, symbolizing movement, progress, and the shared journey forward.

The soaring plane cutting through the sky represents the immigrant journey—the story of leaving home to pursue new opportunities while honoring one’s roots. It embodies EdukSine’s role in carrying Filipino films from the Philippines to the US, Canada, and beyond.

Finally, the golden sunrise in the background represents hope and new beginnings. It is a reminder of the sense of belonging that Filipinos, both at home and abroad, continue to seek—a symbol of embracing identity and connecting with one another, no matter the distance.

Teamwork Across Borders

Karen is getting all the help and support from her Co-Founders in the Philippines and over 30 youth volunteers, working together across distances to make this festival a reality. Despite the geographical gap, the unity and creativity that comes from this collaboration showcase the power of teamwork and the shared commitment to celebrating Filipino cinema and culture.

About EdukSine USA

EdukSine USA is a Filipino-American-founded platform dedicated to bringing Filipino films to the global stage. The platform aims to make Filipino films accessible to audiences worldwide, ensuring that Filipino filmmakers and their stories receive the recognition they deserve. Through the support of DTI, DOST, and other partners, EdukSine is committed to celebrating Filipino culture and arts globally.

The EdukSine USA Online Filipino Film Festival will feature 10 full-length films across various genres, including women empowerment, education, indigenous culture, OFW stories, love stories, comedy, LGBT films, arts film, dark comedy, coming-of-age, and sci-fi. The festival will also showcase a selection of exciting short films in competition, with cash prizes and other incentives.

Join us in celebrating Filipino cinema. Watch the films for free from March to May 2025 and stay tuned for festival updates and announcements about how to access the films online nd the list of the participating films by following the EdukSine Studios page on Facebook and Instagram.

This festival is not just about films—it’s about celebrating who we are, where we come from, and the resilience that defines us as a people. This is A Festival of Filipino Films, A Home Away from Home.

Contact:

Karen Jane Salutan-Krukover
Founder & CEO | EdukSine USA Corporation, EdukSine Studios Corporation
Phone: +1 212-9997854/ Email: karen@eduksine.com
Website: www.eduksine.com
Social Media: https://www.facebook.com/EdukSine/ https://www.instagram.com/eduksinestudios/

#EdukSineUSA #FilipinoFilms #FilmFestival #GlobalFilipinoCinema #ResilienceThroughCinema

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