Our Crowdfunding Groups
Welcome to our fundraising page for the CSUN Senior Thesis Film, Manong!
The Story
Manong follows Salvador de Castro, a Filipino farmworker in 1930s California. Upon arriving in a new town for work, he meets Aisling, a dancer at the local taxi dance hall. The two grow closer while discriminatory laws and mounting racial tensions try to keep them apart.
Art by Paulina Gruzdev
The Manong Generation
Manong is an Ilocano word meaning "older brother". The Manong Generation was made up of mostly young, single men who came to the United States during the first major wave of Filipino immigration in the early 20th century. Many of them found work in Hawaii and on the West Coast, significantly contributing to the agricultural industry for little pay in return. Due to small percentage of Filipina women in the US and existing anti-miscegenation laws, it was difficult for many Manongs to get married or start a family. Manongs, like Larry Itliong and Philip Vera Cruz, were vital to the labor movement of the 1960s. With this film, we hope to bring awareness to the pressing issue of anti-Asian American violence while also honoring the history and legacy of the Manong generation.
Where your contributions will go
With Manong, we are striving to authentically recapture California in the 1930's as best we can. This will be no easy feat, however every cent counts! Your contributions will go towards:
Contributions to Manong are 100% Tax Deductible! The California State University, Northridge Foundation is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) public benefit California corporation.
Our Crew!
Bellamy Perez: Writer & Director
Billy Singleton: Producer
Joshua Valencia: Producer
Kevin Steinfeld: Producer
Mario Carranza: Director of Photography
Pedro Penteado: Key Grip
Tony Restivo: Script Supervisor
Noah Kang: Location Sound Mixer
Tuesday Howarth: Production Designer
Ann Hu: Production Designer
Benjamin Lee: Costume Designer
Jedd Gabriel Caballero: Editor
Ian Vollstedt: Editor
Ching-Chein Yeh: Post Production Sound
Fighting COVID-19
The safety of our crew is of the highest importance. Our team will be following the COVID-19 guidelines recommended by the CDC and SAG-AFTRA in order to make our set as safe as possible.
Other Ways to Help
We also have an online merch store where you can buy shirts, totes, stickers and more! Check out our store here!
Follow Us!
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Thank you for your support
We would like to thank you for taking interest in our project and reading our page! We look forward to sharing our filmmaking with journey with you as we strive to make this film a reality.
Thank you,
The Crew of Manong
At this level, you will receive a personal shoutout on our social media as a thank you from our crew!
At this level, you will get access to exclusive behind-the-scenes content such as story boards, photos, and a making of video! (Includes all previous levels)
At list level, you will receive a poster signed by the cast and crew of "Manong"! (Includes all previous levels)
At list level, you will be invited to the virtual premiere of "Manong" and be able to watch the film before it is available to the public! (Includes all previous levels)
At this level, your name will be listed in the "Special Thanks" section of the credits of "Manong" (Includes all previous levels)
Welcome to the team! At this level, you will be credited as an Executive Producer in the credits of "Manong"! (Includes all previous levels)
