We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Kent Donguines. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Kent below.

Kent, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

One of the most meaningful projects I’ve worked on is my first STORYHIVE-funded film, Kalinga (Care). It’s a short documentary about Filipino caregivers and nannies in Vancouver. The project is personal to me because it helped me understand the struggles my mom went through when she had to leave me when I was six to work abroad.

The film gave a voice to the Filipino community and their experiences, and through Story Money Impact’s Story to Action program, we were able to share these stories with more people. We hosted panel discussions with the people featured in the film, along with policymakers, lawyers, and activists. It was a way to bring these important conversations to the forefront, especially around issues like immigration and workers’ rights.

The film has also played a part in influencing the upcoming changes to Canada’s Caregiver Program, which is set to be updated in 2025. The whole experience made me realize how much power stories have in creating real change. It even led to a follow-up documentary I recently finished called Canadian Adobo with TELUS Originals, produced by Mack Stannard, Aimer Films, and Moon7 Films. This project has been meaningful not just because of the impact it’s had on me personally, but also because it’s helped raise awareness and hopefully contributed to positive changes in our community.

Kent, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m Kent Donguines, a Filipino-Canadian filmmaker based in Vancouver, BC. I started my journey with a BA in Communication and Media Studies from the University of the Philippines, followed by film production training at Vancouver Film School. My career began behind the scenes as a producer, helping other filmmakers bring their ideas to life. Over time, I moved into directing and created my first short documentary, Kalinga (Care), through TELUS STORYHIVE. This project was used as part of an Impact Campaign with Story Money Impact, which contributed to the 2025 update of Canada’s Caregiver Program. I’ve also made films like Paco, Brown Enough, and Canadian Adobo, which we recently delivered through TELUS Originals.

I’m especially passionate about telling stories from the Filipino diaspora. When I first started, I wasn’t sure exactly how I wanted to approach filmmaking, but over time, I realized the most important thing is staying true to my culture and speaking from the heart. As long as I remain authentic and serve my community through my work, I feel fulfilled.

What sets me apart is my focus on creating films that not only tell important stories but also spark conversations and drive change. Whether I’m working on documentaries or fiction, I aim to highlight the strength and resilience of our community, while creating a space for discussions that matter. I’m most proud of how my work has connected with people and helped elevate stories that are often overlooked. Moving forward, I’m committed to making films that continue to challenge, inspire, and push for greater understanding of the Filipino experience.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

Yes, my main goal is to keep bridging the Philippines and Canada through the stories I tell as a filmmaker. I believe that by focusing on this mission, I can create films that push boundaries and share fresh perspectives. For me, it’s like being in a space where I get to connect two amazing worlds that have shaped who I am today. I’m excited to keep working on projects that not only make sense in the market but also resonate deeply with the Filipino community. It’s about telling stories that matter to people from both sides, while staying true to our culture and experiences.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding part of being an artist or creative is finishing a film. It’s easy to get caught up in the hype of the film industry—chasing film festival success, more screenings, and awards. While those things matter, I believe the true success happens the moment the film is complete. That’s when the real work begins—sharing it with people, sparking conversations, and connecting with others who share similar passions.

But for me, beyond the act of finishing, the most fulfilling part is seeing a project come to life. It’s incredible to witness how everyone involved, from the crew to the cast, brings their talent, skill, and even a piece of themselves into the work. It’s like creating something beautiful out of chaos, and that moment when it all comes together is what makes the journey worthwhile.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.facebook.com/aimerfilmsinc/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kentdonguines
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KENTdonguines
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kentdonguines
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@aimerfilmsinc.8797