Arté Film Festival Debuts with a Celebration of Filipino Artistry and Creativity
Arté Film Festival organizers Ms. Joanne Tan and Ms. Keesa Ocampo welcome filmmakers, guests, artists, and sponsors to the inaugural Arté Film Festival at the Bankhead Theater in Livermore (San Francisco PCG photo)
The Arté Film Festival, spearheaded by two accomplished and inspiring Filipina leaders, Ms. Joanne Tan of Good Morning Maxwell and Ms. Keesa Ocampo of WeSparq, successfully held its inaugural event at the Bankhead Theater Livermore on 07 June 2026, in partnership with the Livermore Valley Arts.
Dedicated to showcasing stories that explore the complexities, beauty, and depth of the Filipino American diaspora, the Festival featured the Pixar shorts Weekends, directed by Trevor Jimenez, and Lava, directed by James Ford Murphy. Also screened were the feature films Asian Persuasion, directed by Jhett Tolentino; Diamonds in the Sand, directed by Janus Victoria; and The Road to Sydney, directed by Benito Bautista. Co-presented by Livermore Valley Arts, the festival celebrated Filipino and Filipino American storytelling.
In his remarks, Consul General Arnel G. Talisayon congratulated the festival organizers for bringing remarkable Filipino American films to a wider audience and for creating a meaningful platform that celebrates the richness, complexity, and diversity of the Filipino American experience through the powerful medium of film. END
From L-R: Arté Film Festival organizers Ms. Joanne Tan and Ms. Keesa Ocampo share with Consul General Arnel G. Talisayon the inspiration behind the inaugural film festival backstage at the Bankhead Theater Livermore (San Francisco PCG photo)
The event also featured cultural performances by Kulintang Dialect (top photo) and the Kariktan Dance Company (below photo), adding vibrant expressions of Filipino music, dance, and heritage to the festival experience. (San Francisco PCG photos)
