LAHI
NARRATIVE SHORT, 2022 | Writer, Director, Producer
Inspired by Reina's own experiences as a third-generation Filipina, as well as the life of her "lola" (grandmother), a WWII survivor who was born and raised in the Philippines, LAHI tells the story of a culturally-disconnected Filipina American girl who returns to O'ahu to sell her grandmother's home after she passes away.
San Diego Filipino Film Festival | Audience Award Winner
Asian World Film Festival
Hawai'i International Film Festival |"One of the 50 'Unmissable Film Festivals'" - Variety
Portland Film Festival | "One of the coolest film festivals in the world" - Movie Maker Magazine
Twin Cities Film Festival
LA Femme International Film Festival
International Film Festival Manhattan
Streaming on Electric NOW in 2024

LAHI
NARRATIVE SHORT, 2022 | Writer, Director, Producer
Inspired by Reina's own experiences as a third-generation Filipina, as well as the life of her "lola" (grandmother), a WWII survivor who was born and raised in the Philippines, LAHI tells the story of a culturally-disconnected Filipina American girl who returns to O'ahu to sell her grandmother's home after she passes away.
San Diego Filipino Film Festival | Audience Award Winner
Asian World Film Festival
Hawai'i International Film Festival |"One of the 50 'Unmissable Film Festivals'" - Variety
Portland Film Festival | "One of the coolest film festivals in the world" - Movie Maker Magazine
Twin Cities Film Festival
LA Femme International Film Festival
International Film Festival Manhattan
Streaming on Electric NOW in 2024

REINA GABRIELA BONTA
Bio
Reina is an award-winning filmmaker who graduated in 2022 from Yale University. Originally from California, she is currently based in Brooklyn, NY. Her semi-autobiographical short film and directorial debut, “LAHI”, is touring at Academy Award-Qualifying film festivals, won the audience award at San Diego Filipino Film Festival, and has secured streaming distribution for release in 2024. Reina was an archival producer for Judy Blume Forever (premiering at Sundance 2023), has spent time interning at HBO, worked in Kenya as a B-camera operator on a documentary about endangered black rhinos, and has had her photography featured in world-renowned publications including Forbes Magazine. She is currently working as an Executive Producer on an AAPI-focused feature film in post-production, while simultaneously training with the Philippines Women's National Soccer Team in preparation for the 2023 FIFA World Cup. Reina comes from a family of Filipino and Puerto Rican activists, which deeply informs all of her pursuits as a storyteller.

