About the film
Kamayan (Ka—Mah—Yan) translates to the word "hands." Today, many Filipinos and non-Filipinos alike associate the word "Kamayan" with a feast: a full array of Filipino food atop banana leaves spread across a long table. The only utensil allowed is... hands. But Kamayan means something more, too—it's a philosophical key to explore the deeper meaning of what it means to be Filipino.
For Filipinos, culture and cuisine are intertwined. They are two strands of a double-helix that lend structure to one another and form the DNA of a people. Kamayan explores the cultural and culinary history of the Philippine archipelago—and the evolution of the practices and ingredients from the pre-colonial Philippines through Spanish and American colonialism to today. By examining this rich history, Kamayan builds bridges: between homeland Filipinos and Filipino Americans in their shared identity, and between older generations fearful of losing their culture, and younger generations eager to bring Filipino cuisine into the mainstream.
Celebrates Filipino Cuisine's Diversity
Explores the rich variety of Filipino cuisine—from pre-colonial cooking traditions to modern culinary innovations—Kamayan celebrates the dishes crafted by home cooks and professional chefs alike, as a reflection of the vibrant cultural timeline across the Philippines' 7,000 islands.
Bridges Generations through
Culinary Heritage
Features conversations with older generations about preserving traditional practices, alongside profiles of younger Filipinos who are keeping their culinary heritage alive amidst the influences of a Western taste palette.
Explores the Beauty of the Philippines
Showcases the aesthetic beauty of the Philippines' landscapes and traditional food preparations as integral parts of the nation's cultural fabric, underscoring the importance of preserving these natural and culinary traditions.
Reflects on Resilience and Community
Delves into the strength of the Filipino community, reflecting on its history and the crucial role of culinary and cultural preservation in celebrating and strengthening Filipino heritage for future generations.
Director’s Statement
As a first-generation Filipino American kid growing up in Jersey City, I didn’t explore my heritage. Rather, I opted for hip-hop music, Dominican food, and street basketball. I like to think I’ve matured a bit since my tween and teen years. Now in my 30's, I love learning about the diverse beauty of cultures. Digging into Filipino culture in particular, I discovered a vibrancy and resiliency that has made me increasingly proud to be Filipino. I also discovered that cuisine is a common thread weaving together Filipino communities across the globe.
My documentary, Kamayan, aims to showcase the rich history of cuisine across the islands of the Philippine archipelago while celebrating the practices and ingredients often forgotten since Spanish and American colonialism. All Filipinos are united by shared roots originating from the traditions of the Philippine indigenous people, and so through Kamayan, I hope to build a bridge between homeland Filipinos, Filipino Americans, the older generations fearful of the future, and the younger generations eager to bring Filipino cuisine into the mainstream. For non-Filipino viewers, I want to extend an invitation to discover and be inspired by the beauty of a little-known culture.