Dante Basco can check off one of his lifetime goals — getting his hometown noticed. That happens when his directorial debut “The Fabulous Filipino Brothers” screens during the Center for Asian American Media Festival (CAAMFest).
“Not many movies get made about Pittsburg so I had to put one on the map,” said the Pittsburg native with a laugh. The festival runs May 13 to May 23.
Set in that Bay Area city, “The Fabulous Filipino Brothers” is a dark comedy with a heart written by Dante and brother Darion. It’s fashioned around four vignettes featuring fictional Filipino American siblings in the thick of wedding preparations, which include a sprawling Filipino food table.
It’s a proudly homegrown affair with the four Basco brothers — Dante, Darion, Derek and Dionysio, all of whom are involved in the entertainment industry — playing the film’s titular brothers. While the siblings no longer live in Pittsburg, they certainly left their hearts there. And the feeling is mutual: Pittsburg High School even features a likeness of Dante Basco on a mural.
The Basco’s roots in Pittsburg extend to a World War II veteran who settled there. One of Dante Basco’s goals with the film was pay respects to the war veterans who helped shape the town into what it is today, he said.
“This isn’t ‘Crazy Rich Asians,’” he said. “This is, you know, ‘Crazy Blue-Collar Asians.’”
The film is part of a sold-out double header titled “Celebration of Filipino American stories” May 14 at the Fort Mason Flix drive-in, the second film being “Lumpia With a Vengeance (which features Darion Basco in a supporting role).”
The year’s CAAMFEST happily coincides with Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. But it comes amid a time when random violent attacks on Asian Americans continue to make headlines.
“The Asian American communities are hurting right now,” says Masashi Niwano, festival and exhibitions director at CAAM. “Between the pandemic and rise of anti-Asian hate, there’s so much anxiety at the moment. Our mission with this year’s CAAMFest is to showcase films and programs that will help heal and inspire our audiences.”
This year’s offerings are a mix of crowd pleasers and thought provokers, some with strong Bay Area ties. The opening night feature is a must-see, Debbie Lum’s Sundance fave “Try Harder!” The San Francisco filmmaker takes audiences not only into the city’s prestigious Lowell High School but deep into the mindset of frazzled students who are feeling the pressure about getting into the best university possible. It screens 6:30 and 9:15 p.m. May 13 at Fort Mason, and will also be available to screen May 23.
The closing night feature is Iman Zawahry’s “Americanish,” about two sisters and a cousin trying to win the favor of a demanding matriarch. It screens 5 p.m. May 23.
In between there will be special presentations, including a conversation with Margaret Cho and a premiere of the short “Koreatown Ghost Story” in which she stars. There will also be themed nights including a Hong Kong Showcase May 15 at Fort Mason and a streaming Pacific Showcase.
A can’t-miss highlight will be a closing night virtual dance party headlined by Bay Area filmmaker and musician H.P. Mendoza, who will showcase a new album, “Folx.” The event, also features Bay Area entertainers Lex the Lexicon Artist, Mega Ran and Anna Ishida. The fun begins at 7 p.m. May 23 — the event is free but registration is required.
Dante Basco will receive a CAAMFest Spotlight treatment for his extensive work producing, acting, writing and now directing. “The Debut,” a 2003 comedy/drama starring Basco, also will screen.
Basco has been in show biz more than 35 years. His breakout came in 1991 when he played Rufio, the feisty leader of the Lost Boys (with the memorable hair) in Steven Spielberg’s “Hook.”
He’s also appeared in numerous TV series and voiced characters in such animated films as “Avatar: The Last Airbender” and “American Dragon: Jake Long.” He’s also a producer (2019’s “Empty By Design,” in which he also has a supporting role) and published a well-received memoir, “From Rufio to Zuko.”
But there’s even more. He has his own toy coming out and his channel on the Twitch streaming platform continues to be a big draw.
Basco is encouraged that Asian films such as “Crazy Rich Asians” and “Parasite” are earning awards, accolades and bigger audiences. It’s been a long time coming.
“In this new era of media, a shift is changing and it’s time for everyone to tell stories from their perspective, not just be dominated by one point of view,” he said. “In this new time, all of our authentic voices are being more valued and I think that’s a beautiful thing.”
And while Basco is gratified to see Friday’s Filipino American film double bill sold out, he notes there still aren’t that many Filipino American features getting made.
“I guess that was my job this time to put a story out there for the Filipino community,” he said.
Contact Randy Myers at soitsrandy@gmail.com.
CAAMFEST
Presented by the Center for Asian American Media
When: May 13-23
Where: Screening at Fort Mason Flix drive-in, San Francisco; and streaming at caamfest.com/2021
Tickets: Drive-in events $50 per car; streaming films and events free to $15; caamfest.com/2021
