Little Fisherman

A short tale about a young boy's first fishing trip with his grandpa. They each must learn patience, as their differences make it difficult to bond and teach the boy to fish.

  • Ethan Roy Javonillo
    Director
  • Ethan Roy Javonillo
    Writer
  • Ethan Roy Javonillo
    Producer
  • Jordan Acayan
    Key Cast
    "Boy"
  • Aris Valdez
    Key Cast
    "Grandpa"
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Genres:
    Comedy, Coming of age, Drama
  • Runtime:
    9 minutes 15 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    July 18, 2023
  • Production Budget:
    3,500 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English, Tagalog
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Ethan Roy Javonillo

Ethan Javonillo is a filmmaker, artist, writer/ director, and CSUF alum. He graduated in 2020 with a bachelor’s degree in cinema/ television arts with a minor in Asian American studies. His most recent work seeks to explore cultural identity, inter-generational trauma, and mental health; accompanied by the adventure and suspense of family dramas.

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Director Statement

"Little Fisherman" was based on the numerous fishing trips my grandfather would take me and my cousins on when we were all little. I think it was his connection to simpler times, a way to pass down wisdom, and bond with us. Those memories and this feeling of nostalgia always stuck with me. Viewed from the perspective of the child, I realized I could use those feelings to tell a broader story about growing up as a second-generation Filipino-American, the conflict in identity we face, and the cultural barriers between different generations. "Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime."