A Filipino American Story

With over 2 million views, a Filipino American Story sheds light on the untold history of a diaspora community in the United States. rezonate has produced an eye opening revelation about how the relationship between the Philippines and the United States are connected through the often-untold connections between of colonization and immigration.

Expertise

Creative Direction

Partners

AARP + NextDayBetter

There aren’t enough mainstream discussions about the complexity of Filipino American history.

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With colonization and immigration at the forefront of the subject, AARP and NextDayBetter partnered with rezonate to produce a short documentary about the early Filipino immigrant experience in America.

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Intending to accurately shed light on the most critical points of a diaspora community, the clients and studio worked with a team of historians to weave a narrative that entailed utmost sensitivity and accuracy.

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rezonate led the creative direction, animation, design, and sound design efforts by harnessing visual cut-outs of some of the earliest graphical records of Filipino immigrants in the United States.

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Through black and white photos, soft transitions, and pastel-colored backgrounds, rezonate presented the interlaced yesteryears of the Filipino American people in a comprehensible form--easy enough to digest and learn from no matter the viewer’s background.

Cast of Queens

Bianca Del Rio

Bianca Del Rio is an American drag queen, comedian, and actor. She is best known for winning the sixth season of the reality competition show "RuPaul's Drag Race" in 2014. Bianca Del Rio's sharp wit, sarcastic humor, and impeccable comedic timing endeared her to fans and made her a standout contestant on the show.

Laganja Estranja

Laganja Estranja is an American drag queen, choreographer, and cannabis activist. She rose to fame on "RuPaul's Drag Race" Season 6. Her distinctive style of movement and over-the-top personality made her a memorable and polarizing figure on the show.

Sasha Velour

Sasha Velour is an American drag queen, artist, and activist. Best known for winning the ninth season of "RuPaul's Drag Race" in 2017. Sasha Velour gained recognition for her avant-garde and thought-provoking drag performances. She is known for incorporating elements of visual art, storytelling, and conceptual themes into her acts.

Jinkx Monsoon

Jinkx Monsoon is an American drag queen, singer, and actor. Best known for winning the fifth season of "RuPaul's Drag Race" in 2013. Jinkx Monsoon gained popularity for her impressive vocal abilities, comedic timing, and theatrical performances. She often incorporates live singing into her drag acts, showcasing her talent as a singer and performer.

Trixie Mattel

Trixie Mattel is an American drag queen, singer-songwriter, and television personality. Best known for her appearance on the seventh season of "RuPaul's Drag Race" in 2015 and winning the fourth season of "RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars" in 2018. Trixie is characterized by her exaggerated makeup, signature Barbie-like aesthetic, and witty sense of humor. Her style blends camp, humor, and a touch of nostalgia.

Katya

Katya is an American drag queen, comedian, and television personality. Best known for her appearance on the seventh season of "RuPaul's Drag Race" in 2015 and the second season of "RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars" in 2016. She quickly became a fan favorite on due to her quick wit, memorable catchphrases, and unfiltered personality.

Marina Summers

Marina Summers is a Filipino drag queen and singer-songwriter. Best known for her appearance on the first season of "Drag Race Philippines" in 2022. She is a fierce queen known for her tropical aesthetic, exceptional wit, and all-around performances.

Xilhouete

Xilhouete is a Filipino drag queen, creative director, and entrepreneur. Best known for her appearance on the first season of "Drag Race Philippines' as a fierce contender and drag mother of Marina Summers. She advocates for the legacy of drag queens who have paved the way with her dominantly black and avant-garde aesthetic

We utilized the fighting game genre as a metaphor for the LGBTQIA+ community's ongoing battle for rights, equality, and acceptance, drawing on the common themes of struggle, resilience, and victory. In fighting games, players confront various adversaries and challenges, ultimately overcoming them with skill, strategy, and determination. Similarly, the LGBTQIA+ community faces numerous societal obstacles and prejudices in their pursuit of rights, equality, and acceptance.

This metaphor underscores the tenacity and bravery displayed by both game characters and the LGBTQIA+ community. It highlights the significance of resisting adversity and persisting, regardless of the hurdles faced. By establishing connections between these two realms, the metaphor serves as a potent reminder of the strength and resolve needed to attain progress and transformation in the enduring fight for LGBTQIA+ rights, equality, and acceptance.

Incorporating the Reading Challenge from RuPaul's Drag Race, our team carefully selected lines that made sense when pitted against each other and had the speaking lines delivered by iconic rivals from the show. We chose to include the Reading Challenge in our animation because it not only pays homage to the popular drag competition but also adds an element of wit and humor that resonates with the drag community and fans alike.

Our character animations were inspired by the way video games depict character interactions during the selection process. By animating our drag queen characters with over-the-top reactions, we created a perfect blend of Street Fighter and drag culture. Using quick and snappy emotions, the animation maintains its comedic effect, staying true to the essence of the Reading Challenge.

Additionally, understanding each drag queen's shape language helped our team maintain consistency with the design inspiration and model reference. This attention to detail allowed us to capture the unique personalities and styles of each character, further enhancing the immersive experience of the animation and its connection to the world of drag.

Supporting the LGBTQIA+ community, especially the drag performers, is crucial in celebrating their art and ensuring their passion thrives. By providing financial assistance through donations and sponsorships, we can help them express themselves freely and continue to make a positive impact. Advocating for the welfare and human rights of the LGBTQIA+ community worldwide remains a relevant and essential cause, as it highlights the power of creative expression in promoting acceptance and understanding.