Toronto-based Filipino producer Enrique Baniqued is rising the ranks to elevate Filipino and Asian experiences in an industry that sorely overlooks them
In Hollywood, Asian faces and stories have edged into the mainstream, and casting stereotypes have loosened. But while representation on screen may have improved in recent years, Asians need to be behind the cameras as well. Case in point: if just given the spotlight, films made by and from the Philippines can shine in Hollywood: Deleter (2022), Asian Persuasion (2023), and Motherland (2024) are just a few. Most recently, Sunshine premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). But much work is still needed to ensure that significant accomplishments by Asian or Filipino filmmakers and producers become the norm rather than the exception. This is what Toronto-based Filipino producer Enrique Baniqued sets out to do, beginning with working behind the camera for Village Keeper—another Filipino-backed film that made its debut at TIFF.
Producing Village Keeper
In a trove of untapped stories, Baniqued found his voice in the film, a space where the Filipino mind and talent can thrive, and subsequently led it to the Toronto International Film Festival.
Karen Chapman’s tender and empathetic Village Keeper is about “the complexities of generational trauma and how deeply embedded silence can be within families,” Baniqued tells MEGA Entertainment. It’s honest, poignant, and careful yet precise in capturing the emotional arc of a relatable tale; manipulating mood, cinematic language, and atmosphere to create soul-rocking scenes that are packed with the characters’ emotions. The film is resonant, purposely uncomfortable, and a thoughtfully assembled story driven by authenticity, connection, and passion.
“Karen wanted to explore how these unspoken burdens shape individuals’ lives, especially for mothers with both internal and external struggles,” the producer shares. “The concept of a mother protecting her children while confronting her own past was a powerful lens through which to tell this story. The concept slowly transitioned from a documentary into a narrative film as Karen also wanted to change the ending with stories like these: what if the family makes it into the therapy room? What if we opened up to our loved ones more? She wanted to make a story filled with hope and a happy ending.”
A film’s inception to completion is spearheaded by the film producer. For Village Keeper, Baniqued was persistent and fulfilled in positioning Chapman’s directorial debut film on a international stage such as TIFF. He admitted that because he trusted and believed in Chapman’s work, voice, and message, he felt they had a chance at prestigious festivals. “I knew she had a consistent and clear message in her films that deserved to be in front of audiences,” he says “It was just all about making sure it got in front of decision-makers.”
He subsequently described the premiere at TIFF as a dream for many filmmakers, and a moment of immense pride and gratitude. He expressed that the hard work and passion put into the film allowed him the opportunity to share it with an audience that genuinely values and celebrates storytelling: “The response was both humbling and exhilarating, and it gave me the confidence to continue pushing boundaries in my work. It also showcases the quality of work I want to put out into the world for my next projects, with TIFF having such high foot traffic, worldwide press coverage and industry attendance—it’s a great start to what I hope to build, which is an innovative and inspiring career in the industry.”
Village Keeper is also set to make its global premiere in 2025 at another prestigious international film festival.
On the Stories He Wants to Tell
The continuing courtship between Hollywood and the Philippines doesn’t come without hiccups and hitches. Baniqued had to prove he had the chops to skillfully produce and steer the film to its completion—starting with his background as a business graduate in De La Salle University Manila.
“In shaping my approach as a producer, the skills I gained in project management, financial planning, and strategic thinking gave me a solid foundation to navigate the logistics and complexities of filmmaking,” Baniqued ascertains. “Film is not only an art form but also a business, and being able to combine my creative passion with a practical understanding of business dynamics has allowed me to approach production with a unique perspective and where I bring the most value.”
A turning point, he says, was when he was motivated by the ambition to have a successful career while seeing the world. He admitted that he had no thoughts about working in film, having even no idea of the massiveness of the film industry in Canada: “Canada, the UK, Australia, or New Zealand have similar pathways to permanent residency, which I know a bunch of Filipinos take advantage of as well. In Canada, I decided to take a course in Lifestyle Media and a certificate course on Social Media Marketing. This led me to the work I still do with tourism boards and the directing I do with advertising agencies,” he shared. “But COVID is what pushed me into film as it was the first industry to start working again during the pandemic, and at that time, as a new immigrant, I was just looking for a job.”
Happenstance or fate? Baniqued turned it into a beginning love affair with film. In the industry, he found a community of like-minded people that thrives on imagination, creativity, inventiveness. But getting to where he is required bravery in putting himself out there: “I messaged producers on Instagram and tried to meet the people I wanted to work with,” Baniqued tells MEGA Entertainment. “If I were given a chance, I try to do the best I can at that given moment. Toronto is a hub for creativity, and a forward-thinking city in terms of diversity and opportunity in film.”
Now, at a time when the digital age has transformed Hollywood into creating mass-marketable blockbusters devoid of personal touch, Baniqued wants to uplift stories that are both intimate and rich.
On a personal level, Village Keeper spoke to him with its themes of silence, resilience, and self-discovery: “I felt a strong connection to the story from the beginning. It’s not just a film—it’s a narrative that reflects real struggles, and being part of that storytelling is incredibly meaningful,” he expresses.
Professionally, Village Keeper marked a turning point in his career as a producer. As this was Chapman’s dramatic feature debut, Baniqued says that collaborating with her on such an ambitious and important project made for a thrilling and humble moment. “What drew me in was Karen’s unique voice and the strength of the story,” he declares. “Her vision was bold, and I knew right away that this was a film I wanted to help bring to life. Producing this film alongside Karen is not only an opportunity to work with a talented filmmaker, but also to be part of something that has the potential to leave a lasting impact on audiences. It’s a project that aligns with my passion for telling stories that matter, and I’m proud to have played a role in making it happen.”
His Filipino background influences his filmmaking. He is drawn to stories that explore belonging, identity, and the immigrant experience, and he wants to make films that appeal to diverse of viewers while maintaining the integrity of those themes.
Careful and Sensitive Filmmaking
Tackling such delicate topics—trauma and grief and violence—requires a certain sensitivity, and filmmaking has the power to wrap such heavy concerns in a package that audiences can be receptive to. Films have the power to change lives, and there was an incredibly thin line between a film being considerate or inconsiderate. Hitting the correct treatment, while also making sure the project doesn’t come across as not taking it seriously enough, was a responsibility Baniqued had to shoulder. “From the beginning, Karen Chapman and I were committed to grounding the story in truth,” he shares. “We approached every aspect of the film with care, whether through the writing, direction, or performances—to ensure we weren’t sensationalizing the violence or trauma, but rather presenting it in a way that felt real and respectful to those who’ve lived through similar experiences.”
The producer is not concerned with facts and figures, but rather, the emotional truths that run deeper. Under his and Chapman’s direction, they plunge into the characters’ struggles with a sense of empathy that is akin to an arm around the shoulder, or a hug. A sense of you are not alone.
Baniqued tells MEGA Entertainment that handling this was by focusing on the characters’ resiliency and the emotional aftermath rather than glorifying the trauma itself. “We were deliberate in making sure the violence wasn’t at the center of the story, but rather the impact it had on the characters—and their journey toward healing,” the producer explains. “Additionally, we consulted with experts and ensured they had voices in the creative process to keep the portrayal sensitive and honest.”
With Village Keeper a significant, pivotal moment in his career, here’s what Baniqued hopes the film gets across: “I hope viewers get a sense of the complexity of survival—particularly for mothers. I want the audience to reflect on how generational trauma can perpetuate cycles of silence and repression, but also how self-discovery and breaking free from those chains can be transformative. Ultimately, I want people to walk away feeling both the weight of the story and the hope that comes from facing one’s own truth. It’s about resilience, reclaiming power, and starting difficult conversations.”
Finding the Filipino Voice in Film Away from Home
For the Filipino producer, identifying with who he is strengthened the lens through which he produces the stories. He was the only Asian nominated among industry veterans for the Kevin Tierney Emerging Producer Award by the Canadian Media Producers Association. This milestone not only exhibits that Filipino talents are at par with worldwide behind-the-cameras geniuses, but also makes for an entry point to which Filipino producers can find a voice in film even away from their primary support systems or their homeland. It’s an artistic triumph for the Filipino.
“It’s a rare opportunity to stand alongside industry veterans, especially as someone who just started as a production assistant two or three years ago, it reinforces the importance of diverse voices in the film industry,” he declares. “When I first found out, I was genuinely surprised—as at the time we hadn’t announced TIFF yet and it reassured us that the film’s message was clear, and that the quality was on par with the rest of the Canadian industry. It felt like a recognition not only of the hard work I’ve put in, but also of the stories I’m passionate about telling—which often reflect underrepresented experiences.”
Put more Filipinos behind the camera, and they will prove good stories—and great talent—are universal. “Spotlighting Filipino and immigrant talent on the global stage is incredibly important—it shows that Filipino filmmakers and creatives are just as capable and talented as anyone else,” Baniqued says. It’s about making the space for genuine Filipino stories to flourish bigger. “The more visibility we have, the more we can break down stereotypes and open doors for others. Representation matters, and when people from underrepresented communities see someone who looks like them being acknowledged on such a platform, it inspires confidence that their stories matter too.”
What’s Next for the Filipino Producer Abroad?
One could assume that working as a Filipino producer overseas means lacking the resources to implement the changes the Filipino film industry needs. But Baniqued is making moves to bring Filipino voices at the forefront of Hollywood because it is crucial to do so: “I want to continue pushing boundaries and creating space for underrepresented voices in the film industry, particularly for diverse stories. I want to focus on projects that not only entertain and garner revenue but also spark conversations around identity, culture, and social issues. Collaborating with both Canadian and international filmmakers is a priority, as I believe cross-cultural partnerships can create powerful, globally resonant stories.”
He goes on to say that he’s eager to nurture emerging Filipino talent by offering mentorship or fostering collaborative chances: “It’s important to me that we build a stronger presence for Filipino creatives on the world stage. I see myself producing more films that challenge norms while continuing to refine my skills and expand my network. Ultimately, I aim to help bring more Filipino narratives to the forefront, proving that our stories are just as universal and impactful as any others.”
Photos and Featured Image: ENRIQUE BANIQUED (via Instagram)
