Finding culture in Filipino family film

November 5, 2009 by Bryant Nguyen 

‘Brown Soup Thing’ film screening comes to UNLV for FASA event

Coming to UNLV next weekend, the film “Brown Soup Thing” hones in on typical family experiences through a Filipino perspective. The movie teaches the importance of retaining cultural customs through the portrayal of a family like no other.’

“I think in the end we just wanted to make something really unique, but also something that everyone can relate to and not just Filipinos,” said Edward Mallillin, writer and director. “I think [non-Filipinos] are going to walk away saying, ‘You know what, there are a lot of things that are different about Filipino-American culture, but in the end we are all the same because it is about family.”

Mallillin credits his childhood in Dallas, Tex. as the inspiration behind the film. After finishing school, Mallillin continued to pursue his passion and decided to undertake the challenge of directing a movie.

“That was a big part that shaped me,” Mallillin said. “I used those experiences to create ‘Brown Soup Thing.’”

The film is a comedy-drama about a Filipino-American family of seven that throughout the movie attempts to reconnect with their Filipino customs and strengthen family bond.

The story centers on the youngest child Lita (Sari Arambulo) and her efforts to raise an A-, which is unacceptable due to her high standards. To raise her grade, she must produce a video that showcases what it is like to be a Filipino in America.

“She has a problem that a lot of Asians can relate to and I think a lot of people who are not Asian will laugh,” Mallillin said.

Lita decides to film her movie during her 11th birthday, when all her family members will be present.

The other members of the family include the immigrant sister Fely, money-driven brother Jude, urban sister Maria, abroad sister Shana and the two caring but disconnected parents.

“The dad is a workaholic who is very typical of immigrants that come over,” Mallillin said. “He’s too busy worrying about making money and providing for his family.”

Every member of the family brings their own drama to the table that creates for one hilarious and insightful film.

“We touch on a lot of topics,” Mallillin said. “It is a comedy, but there are a lot of issues and topics about what it means to be a Filipino in America or what it means to be a child of an immigrant.”

The movie includes guests appearances from world boxing champion Manny Pacquiao, Youtube star Christine “HappySlip” Gambito and many more contemporary Filipino entertainers.

“One thing that we did not anticipate was the level of support,” Mallillin said. “A lot of Filipinos called us and wanted to be a part of the film even if it was just a short cameo.”

Although the film predominantly consists of a Filipino cast, there are a lot of characters who of other races and backgrounds. The movie is intended for all people, regardless of race. Mallillin sees the mix of characters as a way for anyone to relate to the movie, whether they are Filipino or not.

“Everybody came from a family so I think that there is really something in here for everybody,” Mallillin said. “We think everyone can relate.”

Mallillin worked with the Filipino American Student Association at UNLV, to bring the screening to campus, in the Student Union Theater.

“I think this event is a great idea because it will bring FASA, as well as the Filipino community, closer together and it’s something that everyone can enjoy and have fun with,”
said FASA member Kassandra De La Pena. “Another thing that’s cool about the movie is that Manny Pacquiao and Christine “HappySlip” Gambito are in it, and it’s always exciting to see people we know from the Filipino community on the big screen.”

The film will sccreen at 1 p.m. on Nov. 14 and Nov 15. Tickets are $13.50 each and may be purchased through Brown Paper Tickets or FASA.