Private Project

Still Trying

ALEX (25) is finally ready to move out of the house. That is, until her recently divorced mother breaks down after hearing her wedding song.

  • Nicole N. Nequinto
    Director
    Baba's Next Chapter, Spells Like Teen Spirit
  • Nicole N. Nequinto
    Writer
    Baba's Next Chapter, Spells Like Teen Spirit
  • Cheryl Su
    Producer
  • Melanie Padernal
    Key Cast
    "Alex"
  • Tita Pambid
    Key Cast
    "Gloria"
  • Arielle Upalluri
    Key Cast
    "Mia"
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Genres:
    Comedy, Drama, Family, Women, Asian, Filipino, Women Filmmaker, Asian American, Coming of Age
  • Runtime:
    11 minutes
  • Completion Date:
    September 6, 2019
  • Production Budget:
    5,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English, Tagalog
  • Shooting Format:
    RED
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Nicole N. Nequinto

Born and raised in Manila, Nicole studied Journalism and pursued independent theater while still in school. Armed with a passion for storytelling, she moved to Los Angeles to study Screenwriting and Producing at the UCLA Extension. She also studied improv at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theater where she performed at Filipino AF, an all Filipino-American Comedy and Variety Show.

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Director Statement

"Still Trying" began as a reflection on the sheltered life of a young woman. It then became my way to think and talk about the terrifying but exciting concept of independence as a woman of color, brought up in a traditional culture and how it can affect people of any age.

As a Filipino, family is everything. It is the core unit and the very thought of total independence is viewed as alien. That's what it feels like for me, for my friends and family members. I have always been close to my mother but every year, I learn more and more about the life she lead before being a mom. Seeing this new vulnerability inspired my short film.

I hope my film speaks to mothers and daughters. To women scared of the next chapter of their lives, and those who are excited. I want it to be funny and sad because these things go hand in hand.