Description

In this film by H.P. Mendoza, Declan and his family celebrate the holidays in true Filipino American style with over-excited titas, mango cake, and true family bonding: plotting the murder of “the black sheep of the family.” BITTER MELON is a tragicomedy that follows a family’s attempts to right their wrongs, resulting in the discovery of many unsavory truths. What starts as a dark, wacky revenge comedy turns into an exercise in empathy and an exploration of the cycle of violence.

Through dark humor, BITTER MELON brings attention to what is commonly swept under the rug—tackling homophobia, domestic violence, and toxic masculinity. It is a necessary film for Asian American families who often struggle to make sense of the traumas that often go unaddressed. As the movie unfolds, Declan and his family ask you to meet them in the vulnerability and messiness we often find ourselves in, when we finally have conversations about what is taboo. Still, Bitter Melon is a celebration of family, steeped in this uneasiness.

This screening of the film is the World Premiere of BITTER MELON. For fans of COLMA: THE MUSICAL and I AM A GHOST, H.P. Mendoza strikes back with a new kind of movie that will encourage you to embrace familial discomfort.

— Christine Abiba

Expected attendees
Director:
H.P. Mendoza
Producer:
Mark DelLima
Michael Oberst
Talent:
Jon Norman Schneider
Patrick Epino
Theresa Navarro
L.A Renigen

Co-Presented by: Manilatown Heritage Foundation

Credits

Writer: H.P Mendoza
Producers: Mark Del Lima, Brian Benson, Michael Oberst
Executive Producers: Raffy L. Lopez, Olivia de Jesus, John-D Lazatin, Miguel Sevilla, Samantha Eldredge, Danica Uskert
Cast: Jon Norman Schneider, Patrick Epino, Brian Rivera

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