Testimonials
HOW ARTISTS LIVES & CAREERS ARE CHANGED BECAUSE OF US
Isabel Sandoval
(writer-director-actor, Lingua Franca)
"I can't thank Cinema Sala and Marie enough for championing Lingua Franca to LA's ardent cinephiles and the Filipinx community.
My film has traveled the world over, but my post-screening Q&A's at both AFI Fest and Outfest -- both co-hosted by Cinema Sala -- have been among the most stimulating and rewarding I've had."
Joy Ngiaw
(composer, Disney’s Jing Hua, In A New York Minute)
"I am constantly inspired by the amount of talent and new perspectives Cinema Sala's filmmakers bring, and have made many connections that have sparked fruitful collaborations.
I love how interactive and insightful the Q&As are, and the community creates a safe and creative space for filmmakers to connect, share and learn from one another."
X. Dean Lim
(director, First World Problems, The Good Doctor)
"Cinema Sala was the first to screen my work and I will always be grateful.
They gave me community, inspiration and confidence; three months later, we debuted at SxSW."
Michael Rosete
(actor, Hypebeasts, HBO’s Divorce)
"It is a place where I get inspired by seeing Filipino cinema I would not otherwise discover, as well as network with other filmmakers and learn about the craft.
I have been able to screen a pilot I created and produced, and have made connections leading to work and relationships that keep me involved in filmmaking."
Thomas Reyes
(writer, The Great North, American Woman)
“Getting to see and hear my sitcom pilot performed at SKRIPTS OUT LOUD, with such talented actors and incredible production value, was a dream come true. And then having it streamed online and recorded for future viewing was just icing on the cake.
Dozens of producers, execs, showrunners, and agents watched that table read. Having a written script is one thing, but to see something on its feet, to hear the laughter, it's magical. I can't thank Cinema Sala enough for the opportunity and for all their support."
(Global humanitarian organization devoted to the lives of impoverished children, their families, & communities)
“With the help and support from Cinema Sala, World Vision Development Foundation was able to help the families who were affected by the Typhoon Ulysses (International Name: Vamco).
Families in need received farming and fishing kits. Receiving the new farming kits will help improve the abaca products quality and would result to higher selling price and increase farmers’ income. The Fishing kits on the other hand, will help increase volume of fish catch and result to increase in income. Likewise, group of fishermen were provided with GPS gadget for navigation and detection of potential fish catch. It was an expressed need for them as navigating Pacific Ocean is quite dangerous.
To Cinema Sala: Thank you for your generosity. Your fundraising efforts provided life-changing essentials to these families. May God reward you for your generosity!"
Jennifer Paz
(writer, Proud Marys; actor, Steven Universe)
“Having been a performer for many years and now embarking on my journey as a screenwriter and producer, I couldn’t have imagined a more perfect community and platform to be a part of! I owe my deepest gratitude to Marie Jamora and the Cinema Sala team for inviting my pilot PROUD MARYS for their annual SKRIPTS OUT LOUD event! What an absolute dream come true! And in the true spirit of paying it forward, I also want to give a shout out to my pal X. Dean Lim, who was the one who graciously made an email introduction to Marie on my behalf after raving about how Cinema Sala was the first to screen his project FIRST WORLD PROBLEMS in the very beginning stages of his development. When we root for each other, we all win!
As of this writing, I was accepted into a year-long mentorship program with showrunner Brian Yorkey and I owe CINEMA SALA my deepest gratitude for giving me the platform, support as I continue my writer development. Thank you CINEMA SALA for creating a space for our Filipinx communities to be truly seen and heard! Maraming maraming salamat!"
Diane Paragas
(writer-director, Yellow Rose)
“Cinema Sala is such a vital resource for the Filipinx Film community. For the theatrical opening of my feature narrative YELLOW ROSE which was distributed by Sony Pictures, Cinema Sala launched an initiative called OPERATION: STORM THE BOX OFFICE. The objective was to mobilize people on opening night to the theaters and drive-ins.
Despite the fact that it was the middle of the pandemic, Cinema Sala managed to mobilize and drive groups to drive-ins in California. I literally cried when I saw images of so many people cheering from their cars, bringing Filipino food and honking their horns in celebration when the credits rolled. Undoubtedly the most moving experience of our entire theatrical run. Cinema Sala was integral in making our opening the top performing indie theatrical release that week.”
Bernard Badion
(writer, Untitled Transformers Animated Series)
“The audience that Cinema Sala attracts are some of the best I've ever had my films and scripts exposed to. I think that's what makes my experience with CS so special. Not only do you have an audience ready to experience your work, but you also get a great discussion about it after. The Q&A after my script MONKEYS was read at Cinema Sala's event at the 2018 LA Asian Pacific Film Festival was extremely memorable because I saw that the script I wrote connected comedically, but more importantly emotionally. I can't thank CS enough for including me in their events and hope everyone gets to attend one soon!"