Starting from our founder’s living room in 2016, Cinema Sala has grown from a works-in-progress monthly screening, to a global community in the virtual world. Our goal in 2026 is to continue our education and workshop programming in person. We have continued to expand our strong relationship with our partners including NBC, Disney, Coalition of Asian Pacifics in Entertainment (CAPE), Center for Asian American Media (CAAM), the Film Development Council of the Philippines, the Geffen Playhouse, and more. These alliances connected us with a wider audience, satisfying their needs for representation and culture enrichment. While continuing to provide the community with year-long film programming and panel discussions with experts and creators, Cinema Sala will focus on education through free “Master Classes” and workshops dedicated to creative development.

CINESKWELA. A “Master Class” series instructed by Cinema Sala award-winning alumni to teach their craft e.g. Pitching, Acting, Filipino and Filipino-American Film History

FILIPINX GOT TALENT. A panel and networking event with heads of the talent and diversity programs of established media companies in order for the Cinema Sala filmmaking community to break into the industry.

SKRIPTS OUT LOUD. Staged script readings of the best unmade feature films and TV pilots from up-and-coming Filipino-American writers featuring a diverse cast of actors.

STORM THE BOX OFFICE. Mobilization to drive the Filipino community to the box office to support the theatrical and digital releases of new Filipino films.

ARTIS’YAN. Artist-to-artist roundtable conversations on craft and process.

COUCH TALK. A forum with artists and academics to talk about perspectives on issues and current affairs affecting the Filipino and Filipino-American community.

CINEMA SALA CARES. A fundraising screening to provide donations for Filipinos in need, partnered with on-the-ground humanitarian organizations in the Philippines.