Filipina Canadian Director Thea Loo’s debut documentary feature INAY (MAMA) set for world Premiere at the Asian American International Film Festival in New York

VANCOUVER, BC (July 15, 2024) — No More Productions is pleased to announce that the documentary feature Inay (Mama) by Filipina Canadian producer and director Thea Loo will have its world premiere at the Asian American International Film Festival on August 4th at the Regal Union Square in New York. This compelling film takes an in-depth look at the trauma experienced by many Filipino Canadians because of the “flawed” immigration pathways that have separated many Filipino children from their mothers. 

“The process of making this film quickly became more than just shedding light on the plight of Filipino Canadians. It was a journey towards reconciliation and healing that both frightened and excited us. We are thrilled to share this film with the world and hope that it emboldens and encourages others,” says Loo.

With the desire to help answer unresolved questions and heal lingering wounds, Inay (Mama) investigates the flawed immigration pathways between the Philippines and Canada that kept so many Filipino children from their mothers. Inay, which means “mama” in Tagalog, is an intimate and personal look at the experiences and trauma endured by many Filipino Canadians. Filmmaker Thea Loo and her husband Jeremiah Reyes, who is also the film's Director of Photography, explore the intersections of mental health and migrant labour and the effects that continue to be felt years later. Through intimate conversations, this self-reflexive documentary aims to bridge the silences and disconnect between the first and second generations of the Filipino community.

Inay (Mama) features an all Asian-Canadian cast and crew and filming took place in Ottawa and Cobourg, Ontario and Vancouver, North Vancouver and New Westminster, BC.

Inay (Mama) is produced in association with the Knowledge Network, Canada Media Fund and The Cinematheque. The documentary features cast and subjects Shirley Lagman, Jeremiah Reyes and Thea Loo. Priscilla Galvez (Islands, Sing Me a Lullaby) serves as executive producer, Natalie Murao (Blue Garden, No More Parties) is associate producer and Jeremiah Reyes (Like Minded, Nanay) and Christian Yves Jones (To Make Ends Meat, Pride: The LGBTQ+ History Series) are co-directors of photography. Inay (Mama) is will debut on the Knowledge Network in 2025.