A mio padre

Mike is a first generation immigrant, former political activist, former military at the service of the Philippine dictatorial governament, former illegal immigrant. The choises he made by living in Italy influenced his family history and composition. What Gabriel (his son, born in Italy) has lived and still lives is the consequence of his father’s choices. That is why Gabriel has always felt himself as a born and raised as a Philippine in Italy without a proper membership. This has led him in conflict with the family and caused his rejection of its ethnic roots, hence the language, the costumes and everything that could concern the Philippines. As time goes by, ideas and habits change shape, reaching the point where familiar relationships change and develop for the better. Then it becomes possible to appreciate the many sacrifies made by his parents in order to guarantee their chilldren a different life from their own. The roots are slowly rediscovered, along with the awareness of the father-son bond. On the background of the Philippine community in Italy, a brave and intimate documentary: a family’s private life, from the father and son’s personal voices.