Private Project

Sinigang

Bobby, a Filipino-American, realizes that his long time girlfriend, Rachel, isn’t feeling herself. As a romantic gesture, he offers to cook for her but just doesn’t know what to cook. That is, until a phone call from his mom sparks a nostalgia for a certain Filipino dish, sinigang. “Sinigang” is a short film that highlights the beauty of Filipino food and how cooking from the heart can suddenly change your life for the better.

  • Sean Totanes
    Director
    Welcome to the Conspiracy!
  • Sean Totanes
    Writer
    Welcome to the Conspiracy!
  • Sean Totanes
    Producer
    Welcome to the Conspiracy!
  • Desi Dumalo
    Producer
    Welcome to the Conspiracy!
  • Lea Papa
    Producer
    Welcome to the Conspiracy!
  • Erika Totanes
    Producer
  • Jessica Twitty
    Producer
  • Justin Abraham
    Producer
    Welcome to the Conspiracy!
  • Mark Alcantara
    Producer
  • Carly Agas
    Producer
  • Jamar-Glen Bajala
    Key Cast
    "Bobby"
    Great Job, Redemption
  • Atessa McAleenan-Morrell
    Key Cast
    "Rachel"
    Welcome to the Conspiracy!
  • Camille Paler
    Key Cast
  • Sean Totanes
    Cinematography
    Welcome to the Conspiracy!
  • Daniel Kaede
    Music
    Epidemic Sounds
  • Headlund
    Music
    Epidemic Sounds
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Genres:
    Drama, Romance
  • Runtime:
    9 minutes 57 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    August 5, 2022
  • Production Budget:
    4,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English, Tagalog
  • Shooting Format:
    Black Magic Camera Digital
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Sean Totanes

Growing up in Tracy, California, Sean Totanes has a passion for all forms of entertainment such as movies, TV, music, and animation. Since entering the industry in 2013, he has worked all over the United States, developing a specialty in the art department. Whether as an art director, graphic designer or storyboard artist, he applies his talent in illustration, cinematic knowledge and design theories on set and in studios. He has worked for Food Network, Investigation Discovery, Paramount Pictures, and various independent filmmakers. Sean’s work can be seen featured in various independent films, music videos and shows such as Netflix’s “13 Reasons Why”.

In addition to pursuing independent projects, he currently works as a teacher with a non-profit organization, Futures Explored Inc, promoting independence among young adults with I/DD through the fundamentals of filmmaking.

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Director Statement

When you discover that I’m Filipino-American, you might try to relate to me by telling me how much you love lumpia or adobo. While I appreciate these classics, I believe sinigang better represents Filipino culture. Sinigang is a colorful, vibrant soup that parallels the equally vibrant history of all Filipinos around the world. Sinigang is just also really delicious: it’s tender, fatty pork stewed with crisp vegetables in a tart, spicy broth. And it’s as mouthwatering to capture on film as it is to cook.

With the growing prominence of Asian-American cinema, I want to further contribute to this cause through our wonderful food. Seeing someone that looks like me, talks like me, and more importantly, cherishes the food that I also love, on the big screen, is an exciting feeling I hope to achieve.

I cannot help but feel ecstatic about what we can offer our audience. Much like the characteristics of its namesake dish, “Sinigang” is a simple story that offers you warmth and comfort. I hope that with your support, we can come together and bond; much like sharing a meal.