UPDATES ON AN AMERICAN BACKSLIDER IN THE PHILIPPINES
Or, inspiration from unpredictable sources
I have been getting some response from the GoFundMe I established for the movie I hope to shoot in the Philippines. Lapu One: An American Backslider in the Philippines.
One of my influences is Donald Jackson, whom I knew in Hollywood and helped him on a few shoots. He’s well known for Hell Comes to Frogtown starring Roddy Piper and Sandahl Bergman. I Like to Hurt People is a wrestling documentary he shot that included some fictionalization regarding The Shiek. There were real life interviews that were inserted into the plot, and this movie does illustrate what I want to achieve with American Backslider, although a little more toned down. Other movies that have integrated documentary and drama have included WR: Mysteries of the Orgasm and I Am Curious (Yellow).
One of the reasons I’m opting for this format is I discovered some in the Philippines really don’t want to go public about their non-belief. So, by having a fictitious plot mixed with real life interviews, I feel I can present an informative and entertaining glimpse of what life is like in the Philippines as both a Humanist and activist.
Humanist Alliance of the Philippines, International is a group that engages in charitable work most people might associate with either missionaries or United Nation’s humanitarian aid. They engage with the public, feed the poor, share education and good health practices without requiring that anyone listen to a sermon (or, perhaps I should say ‘lecture’ since we are talking about Humanists) in order to receive any care. It’s just good work for the sake of good work. What a concept!
Their work has been noted in World Religious News in their March 7, 2017 article. World Religious News admitted that aid from religious charities usually comes with strings attached: “This help, however, comes with a rider: the recipient is forced to consume the gospel.”
This is not the case with HAPI benevolence: “HAPI aims to bring humanist and secular ideals to the Filipino society which is overrun by religion. Utilizing food programs and weekend “schools” as to introduce the philosophy of reason and ingenuity to children.”
Their means of financial support comes from donations of supporters. The main philanthropist who supports them is their founder, Marrisa Torres Langseth, who resides in America. The World Religious News wrote: “There have been a number of instances where atheists have encountered open hostility. One victim was Marissa Torres Langseth, the HAPI founder herself. She was hounded out from the Philippines and is now a resident in the United States.”
This turns out not to be the case. Marrisa became a U.S. Citizen in 1995 and didn’t establish HAPI until 2013. The only ‘hounding’ done was on-line. However, the World Religious News over-dramatization did bring needed publicity to the group. As P.T. Barnum said, “There’s no such thing as bad publicity!”
Marissa, along with donations from other supporters, have been the main financiers of the group. This organization however, in order to thrive, needs to expand their avenues of support. I am currently working with HAPI to help them qualify for USAID, but now the recent Trump ‘victory’ has increased the challenge. Will a nation of ‘Christian nationalists’ put a halt to USAID to a Humanist group? They certainly don’t for Christian groups.
This is why I consider my docu-drama is necessary and fulfills a major need.
The ‘drama’ of this docu-drama concerns Aadarshini, a woman who was adopted through a Christian organization and taken to America. She is eventually thrown into a troubled teen center because she keeps asking her adoptive family too many uncomfortable questions. She eventually returns to the Philippines as an adult and tries to reconnect with her roots. She does this by becoming a citizen journalist.
She videotapes and interviews indigenous people, artists, politicians, activists and other movers and shakers in her community. Her interviews will be the ‘documentary’ part of the movie.
Her biological brother, Lapu (named after the Filipino hero) managed to avoid adoption and became a high achiever. He is slated to be the first Filipino astronaut. He plans on bringing a Philippine flag, a picture of a relative, and a rosary into space. Aadarshini worries that Lapu’s decision to bring a rosary into space symbolizes a lingering attachment to colonial legacies and anti-scientific thinking. She tries to interview him but, since he must maintain an appearance of propriety, he keeps pushing her camera away.
She works through a Humanist group and that brazenness makes her biological family keep her at arm’s length. Lapu and Aadarshini have extended zoom, and in person, conversations that are grounded in family bonds and their differing perspectives on faith and science. Aadarshini’s Humanist views challenge her brother's Christian faith, sparking a dialogue on the complexities of Filipino identity shaped by colonization.
HAPI has established a solid foundation with its YouTube channel, which is a fantastic tool for creating community and engagement. However, to expand its reach globally, a documentary on major streaming platforms is essential. This docu-drama will showcase the philosophy and activities of groups like HAPI and their impact to a broader, worldwide audience.
In today’s world, visibility is key for organizations seeking support. Imagine if, one day, funding—such as USAID—were reserved solely for Christian organizations, or stopped altogether, leaving secular groups without vital resources. This is a realistic possibility, which is why it’s crucial for secular organizations like HAPI to demonstrate the positive change they bring to their communities.
Please support my docu-drama by clicking the image below:
