Logline
A Filipino immigrant's path to unity and friendship on the basketball court, where cultures collide and victory transcends the game.
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Summary
Bola at Buhay/Ball and Life follows Jun, a young nurse who has recently moved from the Philippines to the San Francisco Bay Area, seeking a fresh start. Jun finds himself in a world that feels entirely alien and wrestles with feelings of isolation and longs to find his place in a new world. His life takes a turn when he stumbles upon a local basketball court. It's here that Jun discovers something unexpected: a place where he feels connected, understood, and part of something bigger than himself.
The basketball court becomes Jun's refuge, a place where basketball becomes more than a sport. It's a bridge to friendships with people from all walks of life, each with their own stories and struggles. These teammates quickly become more than just fellow players; they become Jun's makeshift family. As they share victories and losses, both on and off the court, the bonds they forge are tested by the challenges they face together.
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Bola at Buhay/Ball and Life is inspired by my journey as a Filipino-American and the shared experiences of our community. Growing up between the Philippines and the San Francisco Bay Area, I witnessed how basketball became more than just a sport. It served as a cultural bridge and a way to create meaningful connections in unfamiliar spaces. This film uses basketball as a metaphor to explore themes of belonging, identity, and the courage it takes to start anew.
While deeply personal, this story reflects universal experiences of seeking connection and finding home. Jun’s journey as a newly arrived nurse who discovers community and self-discovery through a local basketball league is inspired by real stories from the Filipino-American diaspora. It highlights the spaces we create to feel a sense of belonging, even when far from home.
Authenticity has been a guiding principle throughout this project. With a predominantly Filipino-American cast and crew, we worked hard to ensure every detail genuinely reflects our community. Bola at Buhay/Ball and Life celebrates the richness of our culture while embracing universal themes that resonate with all audiences.
This film is a celebration of identity, resilience, and the shared triumphs that unite us. Whether you have experienced the challenges of immigration or simply sought to find your place in the world, I hope Bola at Buhay/Ball and Life reminds you of the strength in community and the beauty of belonging.
Ashley is an award-winning and Emmy-nominated filmmaker whose storytelling is deeply rooted in her rich Filipino-American heritage. Born in Manila and raised between the Philippines and the San Francisco Bay Area, she draws from her multicultural upbringing to craft stories that resonate with authenticity and depth. As the granddaughter of legendary Director and National Artist of the Philippines Eddie Romero and Philippine cinema icon Mila Del Sol, Ashley carries forward a proud legacy of cinematic excellence.
Her debut project, Bola at Buhay/Ball and Life, is a heartfelt tribute to the Filipino-American experience, exploring themes of identity, family, and belonging. Ashley’s work bridges her ancestral roots and her life in the U.S., offering authentic stories that connect with both personal and universal experiences.
As the Writer, Director, and Producer, Ashley brings a visionary approach to filmmaking. Her artistry combines her deep respect for cultural heritage with a fresh, contemporary perspective, continuing the legacy of her family while creating stories that inspire and connect diverse audiences.
Born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, Ryan is a proud second-generation Filipino-American filmmaker whose passion for storytelling has been a guiding force throughout his life. Ryan grew up immersed in the art of filmmaking, learning the importance of visual storytelling from an early age.
Ryan’s work is deeply rooted in his heritage and his love for the collaborative spirit of cinema. Drawing on his diverse experiences, including his travels and a lifelong appreciation for film, he seeks to create visuals that are both dynamic and culturally resonant. His dedication to blending diverse perspectives shines through in every frame, making him an indispensable part of our team.
As the Director of Photography, Ryan channels his personal history and connection to the Filipino-American experience to craft visuals that are not just beautiful but also deeply meaningful.
Chris is a two-time Emmy Award-winning editor with a passion for storytelling that transcends formats, from long-form narratives to dynamic short-form and social media content. As the in-house studio video editor for the Golden State Warriors, Chris blends technical mastery with creative vision to create compelling visuals that resonate with diverse audiences.
Born in the Philippines and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, Chris’s journey is a testament to the resilience and pride of the immigrant experience. Through his work, he seeks to preserve his culture and identity, weaving his Filipino heritage into the stories he tells and ensuring that these narratives remain a part of his creative expression.
As Post Production Supervisor, Chris brings a unique perspective shaped by his immigrant roots and professional expertise, ensuring that every frame not only captivates but also honors the essence of Filipino identity and experience.
as Jun
as Edwin
Markus Kranzler - Ian
Shailesh Sivanantham - Ryan
Chiemeka Azubuine - Marcus
Ian McBride - Matt
Christopher Zagala - Josh
Sedine San Agustin - JR
Nathaniel Cuenca - Moises
George Alexander Kabiling - Ron
Earl Magat - Casey
Jen Villanueva - Scoreboard 1
Evangeline Gimenez-Tam - Scoreboard 2
Melanie Takemori - Scoreboard 3
Ava Bender - Scoreboard 4
Miles Caliboso - Photographer
Bobby Sangco - Referee
Francis Villanueva - Basketball Player 1
Patrick Villanueva - Basketball Player 2
Ryan Villanueva - Basketball Player 3
Ahmaree Muhammad - Basketball Player 4
Malik Merchant - Basketball Player 5
Hector Navarro - Basketball Player 6
Gio Antonio Molina - Jun's Voice Over
Llannie Perez - Mom's Voice Over
PJay Jacinto - Tagalog Basketball Commentator
Ashley Romero - Writer, Director, Producer
Ryan Marquez - Director of Photography
Jasmyn Ramirez - Assistant Director
Felipe Rodrigues - 1st Assistant Camera
Kishawn McGhee - 1st Assistant Camera
Steven Chillous - 2nd Assistant Camera
EJ Casabar - Gaffer
James Guirao - Key Grip
Miles Caliboso - Key Grip
MengTing Liu - Audio Technician
Chris Snellings - Script Supervisor
Ashley Romero - Casting Director
Ian McBride - Wardrobe Stylist
Chris Snellings - Sports Choreographer
Desirae Verador - Production Coordinator
Arlo Tualaulelei - Production Assistant
Edwin Henry IV - Production Assistant
Dahlia Tarou - Production Assistant
Chris Snellings - Post Production Supervisor
JC Castillo - Editor
Joe Puyat - Sound Designer
MengTing Liu - Music Supervisor
Lester Amida - Composer
Prabhjot Randhawa - Colorist
Hannah Pagila - Post Production Assistant
Leon Tam - Website Designer
Camera Equipment provided by Creative West | Camera Lenses provided by Marshall Street Productions
In line with our mission to tell authentic stories and uplift the talents of Filipino creatives, we are proud to highlight our Philippine based team members:
JC Castillo, Editor - Manila, Philippines
Joe Puyat, Sound Designer - Quezon City, Philippines
Lester Amida, Composer - Bulacan, Philippines
Ryan Villanueva, Basketball Player 3 - Manila, Philippines
Florence Monzon, Gus Tambunting, Brittany Villanueva, Joshua Calubaquib, Garrett Takemori, Tim Bender, Leah Delos Reyes, Rachel Verador, Michelle Bissell, and Gerald Smith
Copyright © 2025 Bola At Buhay Film - All Rights Reserved.
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