Film Manongs Screens at Hawaii International Festival
The period drama directed by Colin Galeste recently reached audiences at the Hawaii International Film Festival.
Updated on Oct. 31, 2026 in Cultural
Live Poll
Do you believe films about immigrant history accurately reflect the experiences of the communities they depict?
The film Manongs, directed by Colin Galeste, recently completed a screening at the Hawaii International Film Festival. The project has garnered multiple award nominations across several film festivals.
Why it matters
The film's recent festival circuit run highlights its growing reception within the independent film community. It serves as a notable production from filmmakers including producers Dhruvraj Singh and Stephanie Peraza.
The film Manongs secured 4 nominations at the Fil-Am Creative Film Festival. It has participated in screenings at festivals including the Maryland Film Festival, LA Shorts Film Festival, and the Vancouver International Film Festival.
The players
Colin Galeste
Colin Galeste is the director of the film Manongs.
Dhruvraj Singh
Dhruvraj Singh is a producer of the film who attended the University of Southern California School of Cinematic Arts and moved to Los Angeles in 2023.
Stephanie Peraza
Stephanie Peraza is a producer of the film Manongs.
The details
Produced by Dhruvraj Singh and Stephanie Peraza, the film is set during the 1960s. The production has traveled through several festival circuits, with a future screening scheduled at the Las Vegas Filipino Short Film Festival.
Timeline
The story of the film is set during the 1960s.
Dhruvraj Singh moved to Los Angeles in 2023.
The film screened at the Hawaii International Film Festival on October 26, 2026.
Industry Dynamics
The screening at the Hawaii International Film Festival follows a well-established pattern for independent films looking to build momentum on the international circuit. By hitting diverse regional festivals, the production mirrors strategies used by creators to gain recognition before wider release.
Audiences interested in viewing the film can monitor future festival schedules for upcoming screening dates. While tickets are limited to festival programming, these events represent the primary venue for current access.
The takeaway
Independent projects often rely on strategic festival appearances to build critical acclaim and audience interest. Aspiring filmmakers can note the importance of circulating their work through recognized events to secure nominations and professional visibility.
What happens next
The film is scheduled to screen at the Las Vegas Filipino Short Film Festival.
Further reading
Learn more about evolving trends in global cinema in our Cultural section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Times of India.
Live Poll
Do you believe films about immigrant history accurately reflect the experiences of the communities they depict?
