Lola Never Smiles
Los Angeles, California | Film Short
Drama, Comedy
How late is too late to pursue your passions? When a jaded, elderly woman trains for a Filipino Folk Dance Competition for seniors, the spark from her youth reignites along with bitter glimpses of her long-suppressed past, forcing her to confront the life she’s currently living.
Lola Never Smiles
Los Angeles, California | Film Short
Drama, Comedy
1 Campaigns | California, United States
Green Light
This campaign raised $12,618 for production. Follow the filmmaker to receive future updates on this project.
123 supporters | followers
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How late is too late to pursue your passions? When a jaded, elderly woman trains for a Filipino Folk Dance Competition for seniors, the spark from her youth reignites along with bitter glimpses of her long-suppressed past, forcing her to confront the life she’s currently living.
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
"I had never before known her to appreciate beauty, but perhaps it was because she had no time to express the finer qualities in her."
- Carlos Bulosan
This story was born from the realization that I hadn’t before known what my theatrically capricious grandmother wanted to be before becoming a young mother. At a time when I’d been acting in secret for fear of discouragement, it suddenly occurred to me to ask. She replied, with no hesitation, "An actress." Many things came over me in that moment, all at once, projecting a story onto my mind that made sense of my grandma and gave the girl that wanted different things a chance at her dream. This is that story.
It has taken me too long to step back, beneath her transgressions, and dissect her motto,
“You came from me!”- to notice that she, like all people’s grandmothers, used to be a girl with dreams. And while living in pursuit of my artistic existence, there she reads, making amends with the fact that she could not do the same.
Synopsis
This hero’s journey follows DIWA, a jaded, elderly, Filipino lady with a huge family- something I’m sure you’ve never heard of. When her childhood friend encourages her to enter a dance competition for seniors, the long-neglected little voice inside Diwa’s heart takes the reins. Push and pull between DIWA and her daughter, EILEEN, mirrors her conflict with the star she wanted to be and who she is today. With each rehearsal, we come to understand why LOLA NEVER SMILES.
With Your Contribution
My grandma wanted to be an actress and with your help- she’ll be one.
LOLA NEVER SMILES shows a perspective rarely seen; an old Filipino woman’s journey to recovering the artist she knew herself to be as a young girl. Though the immigrant community sees growing support for the first-generation American story of choosing between stability and passion, exposure to how an elderly woman experiences this struggle on a deeper level is not as nearly as common. Rather than struggling with what could be, our protagonist mourns what is lost. Diwa’s story reverberates in all those with artist hearts. Particularly, those numbed by the tethers of what they’ve chosen over their passion.
Learning that my beautiful, dramatic, grandmother wanted to become an actress before her life was no longer hers alone, parallels the artist I am allowed to be and the one she could not become in her youth.
This story coming to life demonstrates an old woman coming full circle- of two girls living a dream.
Where Your Support Goes
Every dollar you give helps bring LOLA NEVER SMILES to life with care and kapwa — the shared spirit that binds our community. Most of our budget supports our crew, the storytellers behind the camera, and the locations that capture the warmth of a Filipino home.
It takes a village to produce a short film. A significant sum of our budget goes into paying the crew - $4,250 to be exact. The rest breaks down as follows - $3.5K to secure locations, $1K for camera, and around $500 for remaining departmental needs (wardrobe, production design, and crafty). We also have around $1.5K dedicated for post-production and festival distribution.
Each piece of this pie is a collective offering, made para sa ating mga lola, and for every dreamer remembering where they come from.
Timeline
We’ve been in pre-production since mid-August, carefully shaping every detail of LOLA NEVER SMILES with the same love and patience that inspired it. Our script is complete, and our team is ready to bring it to life when we film from October 24–26, during Filipino American History Month—a time to honor our roots and the stories that connect us across generations.
After we wrap, we’ll move into post-production in November—editing, coloring, and weaving together the story that began with one simple question: “Lola, what did you want to be?” Our fundraising will unfold alongside this journey, culminating in our Family Party Fundraiser + Art Show in early December, where our community will gather to celebrate the heart and heritage behind this film.
Consider pledging today! Maraming Salamat! (Thank you very much!)
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Location
Costs $3,500
This will go towards our dream location in Temple City.
Lola's Closet
Costs $500
Lola's world includes diving into the past, which requires some period pieces that we'd love to get our hands on!
Crew Pay
Costs $9,000
Our crew is an important part to this film and we cannot do this without them. It is our deepest desire to be able to compensate them
Catering & Craft Services
Costs $2,000
We'll all be working hard on set for 3 days and want to make sure our crew has more than enough food in their bellies!
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
OUR TEAM
Alex Tobias - Writer/Director
Alex Tobias is a Filipino-American writer, actress, musician, Filipino martial artist, and content creator, having acted in short films ranging from horror to comedy. A daughter of immigrants born and raised in Southern California, Tobias draws inspiration from her roots in all of. her artistic pursuits.
Tobias began her writing career late last year. After winning the Grand Jury Award for the 2024 FilAm Creative
Challenge with her directorial debut, "You Can Have Them", featuring all of her original music, she puts her best kuratsa foot forward in writing her second spear-headed screenplay inspired by her grandmother.
Kiersten Villaneuva - Producer
Kiersten Villanueva is a Filipino American independent filmmaker based between the Bay Area and Los Angeles, and is the Head of Film/TV/New Media at Empowerhouse. He has written and directed over a dozen character-driven films centering the Filipino American community and experience. Beyond writing and directing, Kiersten has 10+ years of experience creatively collaborating on and off set and wearing many hats — from editing, assistant directing, and producing — to industry assistance roles, including James Wan’s Atomic Monster, Trevor Noah’s Day Zero Productions, CBS show So Help Me Todd, and AMC shows Mayfair Witches and Talamasca.
Rachel Leyco - Producer
Rachel Leyco (she/her) is an award-winning queer Filipino American multihyphenate filmmaker, actress, and content creator. Rachel is the founder of Empowerhouse, a mission-driven company that aims to empower storytellers through creativity and community.
Notably, she won a student Emmy at the 2013 College Television Awards, for her web series, The Sub Club. Her short films, Bicultural, and web series, Crazy, were official selections in film festivals around the world, including Outfest, BFI Flare: London LGBTQ+, and others. Her feature film script for Violet, Violet landed her the Runner-Up award in the 2020 Script Pipeline Screenwriting Competition. Rachel was named Network ISA’s Top 25 Screenwriters to Watch in 2021. She is in development for the 2022 GLAAD LIST x BLACK LIST Trans-led rom-com feature film, Re-Live, which she co-wrote with Emmy nominated actress, Rain Valdez, and executive produced by Rosario Dawson. Recently, she wrapped her forthcoming magical narrative short film, Thank You for Breaking My Heart, which is set to make the 2025 film festival circuit. Rachel is a grantee of the 2025 CAPE Julia S. Gouw Short Film Challenge for her short film proof-of-concept, Milk & Honey.
April Anne Edquiban - Producer
April Edquiban is a Filipino-Haitian filmmaker whose work draws from their cultural heritage and personal upbringing. April primarily works as a Producer, 1st Assistant Director, and Production Coordinator, shaping authentic, emotionally resonant narratives. They are proudly a part of the Empowerhouse Co Creative and Producing Teams.
They have co-produced music videos including “No Good” by SOBBRS and “On Your Face” by Kid Souf, as well as producing the short film “Black Mold” by Cara Delos Reyes. Their work reflects where they come from—and the voices they’re committed to amplifying.
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
"I had never before known her to appreciate beauty, but perhaps it was because she had no time to express the finer qualities in her."
- Carlos Bulosan
This story was born from the realization that I hadn’t before known what my theatrically capricious grandmother wanted to be before becoming a young mother. At a time when I’d been acting in secret for fear of discouragement, it suddenly occurred to me to ask. She replied, with no hesitation, "An actress." Many things came over me in that moment, all at once, projecting a story onto my mind that made sense of my grandma and gave the girl that wanted different things a chance at her dream. This is that story.
It has taken me too long to step back, beneath her transgressions, and dissect her motto,
“You came from me!”- to notice that she, like all people’s grandmothers, used to be a girl with dreams. And while living in pursuit of my artistic existence, there she reads, making amends with the fact that she could not do the same.
Synopsis
This hero’s journey follows DIWA, a jaded, elderly, Filipino lady with a huge family- something I’m sure you’ve never heard of. When her childhood friend encourages her to enter a dance competition for seniors, the long-neglected little voice inside Diwa’s heart takes the reins. Push and pull between DIWA and her daughter, EILEEN, mirrors her conflict with the star she wanted to be and who she is today. With each rehearsal, we come to understand why LOLA NEVER SMILES.
With Your Contribution
My grandma wanted to be an actress and with your help- she’ll be one.
LOLA NEVER SMILES shows a perspective rarely seen; an old Filipino woman’s journey to recovering the artist she knew herself to be as a young girl. Though the immigrant community sees growing support for the first-generation American story of choosing between stability and passion, exposure to how an elderly woman experiences this struggle on a deeper level is not as nearly as common. Rather than struggling with what could be, our protagonist mourns what is lost. Diwa’s story reverberates in all those with artist hearts. Particularly, those numbed by the tethers of what they’ve chosen over their passion.
Learning that my beautiful, dramatic, grandmother wanted to become an actress before her life was no longer hers alone, parallels the artist I am allowed to be and the one she could not become in her youth.
This story coming to life demonstrates an old woman coming full circle- of two girls living a dream.
Where Your Support Goes
Every dollar you give helps bring LOLA NEVER SMILES to life with care and kapwa — the shared spirit that binds our community. Most of our budget supports our crew, the storytellers behind the camera, and the locations that capture the warmth of a Filipino home.
It takes a village to produce a short film. A significant sum of our budget goes into paying the crew - $4,250 to be exact. The rest breaks down as follows - $3.5K to secure locations, $1K for camera, and around $500 for remaining departmental needs (wardrobe, production design, and crafty). We also have around $1.5K dedicated for post-production and festival distribution.
Each piece of this pie is a collective offering, made para sa ating mga lola, and for every dreamer remembering where they come from.
Timeline
We’ve been in pre-production since mid-August, carefully shaping every detail of LOLA NEVER SMILES with the same love and patience that inspired it. Our script is complete, and our team is ready to bring it to life when we film from October 24–26, during Filipino American History Month—a time to honor our roots and the stories that connect us across generations.
After we wrap, we’ll move into post-production in November—editing, coloring, and weaving together the story that began with one simple question: “Lola, what did you want to be?” Our fundraising will unfold alongside this journey, culminating in our Family Party Fundraiser + Art Show in early December, where our community will gather to celebrate the heart and heritage behind this film.
Consider pledging today! Maraming Salamat! (Thank you very much!)
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Location
Costs $3,500
This will go towards our dream location in Temple City.
Lola's Closet
Costs $500
Lola's world includes diving into the past, which requires some period pieces that we'd love to get our hands on!
Crew Pay
Costs $9,000
Our crew is an important part to this film and we cannot do this without them. It is our deepest desire to be able to compensate them
Catering & Craft Services
Costs $2,000
We'll all be working hard on set for 3 days and want to make sure our crew has more than enough food in their bellies!
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
OUR TEAM
Alex Tobias - Writer/Director
Alex Tobias is a Filipino-American writer, actress, musician, Filipino martial artist, and content creator, having acted in short films ranging from horror to comedy. A daughter of immigrants born and raised in Southern California, Tobias draws inspiration from her roots in all of. her artistic pursuits.
Tobias began her writing career late last year. After winning the Grand Jury Award for the 2024 FilAm Creative
Challenge with her directorial debut, "You Can Have Them", featuring all of her original music, she puts her best kuratsa foot forward in writing her second spear-headed screenplay inspired by her grandmother.
Kiersten Villaneuva - Producer
Kiersten Villanueva is a Filipino American independent filmmaker based between the Bay Area and Los Angeles, and is the Head of Film/TV/New Media at Empowerhouse. He has written and directed over a dozen character-driven films centering the Filipino American community and experience. Beyond writing and directing, Kiersten has 10+ years of experience creatively collaborating on and off set and wearing many hats — from editing, assistant directing, and producing — to industry assistance roles, including James Wan’s Atomic Monster, Trevor Noah’s Day Zero Productions, CBS show So Help Me Todd, and AMC shows Mayfair Witches and Talamasca.
Rachel Leyco - Producer
Rachel Leyco (she/her) is an award-winning queer Filipino American multihyphenate filmmaker, actress, and content creator. Rachel is the founder of Empowerhouse, a mission-driven company that aims to empower storytellers through creativity and community.
Notably, she won a student Emmy at the 2013 College Television Awards, for her web series, The Sub Club. Her short films, Bicultural, and web series, Crazy, were official selections in film festivals around the world, including Outfest, BFI Flare: London LGBTQ+, and others. Her feature film script for Violet, Violet landed her the Runner-Up award in the 2020 Script Pipeline Screenwriting Competition. Rachel was named Network ISA’s Top 25 Screenwriters to Watch in 2021. She is in development for the 2022 GLAAD LIST x BLACK LIST Trans-led rom-com feature film, Re-Live, which she co-wrote with Emmy nominated actress, Rain Valdez, and executive produced by Rosario Dawson. Recently, she wrapped her forthcoming magical narrative short film, Thank You for Breaking My Heart, which is set to make the 2025 film festival circuit. Rachel is a grantee of the 2025 CAPE Julia S. Gouw Short Film Challenge for her short film proof-of-concept, Milk & Honey.
April Anne Edquiban - Producer
April Edquiban is a Filipino-Haitian filmmaker whose work draws from their cultural heritage and personal upbringing. April primarily works as a Producer, 1st Assistant Director, and Production Coordinator, shaping authentic, emotionally resonant narratives. They are proudly a part of the Empowerhouse Co Creative and Producing Teams.
They have co-produced music videos including “No Good” by SOBBRS and “On Your Face” by Kid Souf, as well as producing the short film “Black Mold” by Cara Delos Reyes. Their work reflects where they come from—and the voices they’re committed to amplifying.