Daluyong (swell) flowed through SineMa as an art-house gathering of documentary and narrative shorts by Filipino Canadian filmmakers, stories shaped by quiet yet powerful undercurrents of queerness, migration, land, and belonging.
Like water, identity shifted and surged: resilient, tender, and deeply rooted in memory and place.
Alongside film, music carried the tide — echoing our histories, amplifying our voices, and holding space for reflection and connection. Together, image and sound moved as one current, reminding us that our stories do not stand still — they rise, return, and resonate.
Program
| 1:00 pm – 1:30 pm | Doors Open |
| 1:30 pm – 4:00 pm | Local Shorts Block (Canada-focused) |
| 4:00 pm – 4:30 pm | Filmmaker Q&A |
Assembly
Documentary
Director: Nic Nolet
Runtime: 16 minutes
As clearcutting threatens one of Alberta’s most iconic landscapes, a collective of voices rises to protect what remains. Revealing the power of community in the face of environmental loss.
The Boxing Ring
Narrative
Director: Emily Gutierez
Runtime: 23 minutes
After deciding to do a Muay Thai competition, a timid, mid-20s Filipino-Canadian must train in secret and go against her strict parents, while also falling in love with her coach, who is also a woman.
Roots to Table
Documentary
Director: Ralph Gonzales
Runtime: 18 minutes
Chef Zac Ardena, a second-generation Filipino-Canadian, reconnects with his roots through cooking—blending tradition and modern technique to rediscover identity, history, and home.
Nasaan
Narrative | Presented by the National Music Centre
Director: Niko Chu
Runtime: 14 minutes
Living as Canadian Immigrants, an aging Filipino composer attempts to connect with her grandson through her own music. Inspired by writer Lance De los Santos' true experience with his Lola and brother, Nasaan was built on the stories of the Filipino diaspora, each different in its own way yet shared among all.
About SineMa 2026
SineMa 2026 (short for Sine Mabuhay) is a dynamic celebration of multicultural storytelling through film, spotlighting the voices of Filipino Canadian filmmakers alongside acclaimed works from the Philippines. Hosted at Studio Bell, home of the National Music Centre, the 2026 edition expands beyond cinema by integrating music and dance into its programming, reflecting the venue’s creative energy and elevating the audience experience.
This year’s festival presents a vibrant convergence of film, music, and cultural expression, positioning SineMa 2026 as a compelling platform for artistic exchange, community engagement, and the celebration of Filipino and diasporic identity.
SineMa 2026 is presented by Fiesta Filipino, the National Music Centre, and the Philippine Consulate General.
About Fiesta Filipino
The Philippine Festival Council of Alberta (PFCA) is the project proponent of Fiesta Filipino. Fiesta Filipino is a celebration of multiculturalism and diversity in Alberta. Our organization provides Albertans with the opportunity to experience Filipino-Canadian culture and heritage through year-round programs of music, arts, food, and performances. As the fastest growing community, our vision is to create a Canada that embraces cultural diversity and multiculturalism.
About the Philippine Consulate in Calgary
The Philippine Consulate General in Calgary (PCG Calgary) has consular jurisdiction over the Provinces of Alberta and Saskatchewan. It is part of the Philippine diplomatic and consular representation in Canada headed by the Embassy of the Republic of the Philippines in Ottawa, and alongside the Philippine Consulates General in Toronto, ON, and Vancouver, BC. The Consulate’s mission is to advance the interests of the Philippines and the Filipino people in the world community.
About the National Music Centre
The National Music Centre (NMC) is Canada’s premier destination for music, culture, and innovation. Located in Calgary’s East Village, NMC is home to over 8,000 artifacts, including historic musical instruments, artist archives, audio recordings, textiles, memorabilia, and rare music technologies spanning more than 450 years of history. Through exhibitions, performances, research, education, and artist residencies, NMC preserves and shares Canada’s musical heritage with local, national, and international audiences.