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.
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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
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Streaming on Electric NOW in 2024
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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.
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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
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Streaming on Electric NOW in 2024
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REINA BONTA
Maybe It's Just the Rain
DOC SHORT, 2025 | Director
In their historic debut, an underdog group of young women become the first Filipino team to win a World Cup match. Reina, team centerback, narrates this turbulent journey, culminating in an intimate trip to her grandmother’s hometown in the Philippines.​
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Cannes Marché du Film
DOC NYC: Short List (Academy Award 2026 Watch List)
Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival
CAAMFest
Indy Shorts International Film Festival
+ 11 other acclaimed film festivals
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