Private Project

Reach Out

In an intergenerational collaboration between Los Angeles-based electronica/soul trio Bootleg Orchestra and singer Roger Rigor from iconic Filipino band VST & Co, this short documentary explores the creative process of producing a song that calls for international solidarity for climate justice and highlights the role of music in giving life to a movement. Drawing from personal experiences of environmental injustices and its intimate pairing with the fight for human rights, the artists elaborate on stories behind this song as well as share their creative process of collective songwriting and recording in the studio to create a song to uplift the people. The documentary will conclude with a music video of the full song. The song itself will be released in conjunction with the documentary.

  • John Haas
    Director
    Liwanag, PBS Independent Lens, Knowable
  • Menchie Caliboso
    Producer
  • Joanne Danganan
    Producer
  • John Haas
    Cinematographer
    Liwanag, PBS Independent Lens, Knowable
  • Andrew Dickson
    Key Cast
  • Vanessa Acosta
    Key Cast
  • Roger Rigor
    Key Cast
  • John Haas
    Editor
    Liwanag, PBS Independent Lens, Knowable
  • Menchie Caliboso
    Writer
  • MG Evangelista
    Music Video Editor
    Jeep, Gucci, Sundance Official Selection 2019
  • Project Type:
    Documentary, Short
  • Genres:
    Non-Fiction, Music
  • Runtime:
    20 minutes
  • Completion Date:
    November 30, 2023
  • Production Budget:
    17,600 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    4:3
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival
    Los Angeles
    United States
    May 9, 2024
    California Premiere
  • Wing Luke Museum – Sound Check! The Music We Make Exhibit
    Seattle
    United States
    October 15, 2023
    Exhibit Selection (Trailer Only)
  • Long Beach Arts Council Grantee
    Long Beach
    United States
  • Long Beach Forward Grant Award
    Long Beach
    United States
  • Asian Pacific Environmental Network Grant Award
    Oakland
    United States
Director Biography - John Haas

John Haas is a documentary filmmaker, cinematographer and editor, based in Los Angeles. His mother fled the Philippines during the early days of martial law in the 1970s and he was raised in Missouri on his family's farm. From his childhood, he always felt a disconnect with his surroundings and a desire to understand his Filipino roots. After a decade as a commercial videographer and video journalist, in 2020 John began contributing his talents toward organizing efforts within the Filipino community in Los Angeles. In 2022, he co-founded SIKLAB (Sining at Kultura-Arts and Culture), a collective of Filipino filmmakers and artists committed to producing community centered art that uplifts the stories of everyday working people. John is currently working on projects that share the experiences of Filipino migrant workers as well as address systemic racism, policing, and the judicial system.

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Director Statement

My passion as a documentary filmmaker is rooted in elevating stories that are often overlooked and present the opportunity to educate and generate dialogue. I bring high level production and organic visuals to make stories relatable.