Meet Andrew Acedo | Filipino American Filmmaker & Community and Impact Manager at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures

We had the good fortune of connecting with Andrew Acedo and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Andrew, what inspires you?
Inspiration comes in many forms. A great film or piece of art, masters of their crafts, my mentors, athletes achieving great feats, my friends, my family and more inspire me to continue pursuing whatever I’m currently going for. Whenever I’m feeling any lack of motivation, I turn to one or more of those to reignite my drive. Real life can sometimes make you put your passions on hold, and having various ways of being inspired can bring them back to the forefront of your mind. I’m also inspired by the urgency that comes from mortality. Constantly being reminded of the time limit we have usually succeeds in giving me juice to push forward, whether for my job or making films.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Thus far, I’ve written and directed 3 short films and in pre-production of another one. Beyond any commonalities in terms of themes and filmmaking techniques, it’s safe to say that all the films I’ve made and am making are very true to who I am in the moment I’m making them and whatever I’m going through. When I look back at the films, I’m more reminded of who I was as a person and what was on my mind at that time more than the actual making of the movie. So in short, my films are dark comedies and dramas that touch upon my personal mental health, views on love and, as of late, my cultural identity struggles as a 1st generation Filipino American.

As the Community and Impact Manager of the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, I have the incredible opportunity to foster a sense of belonging for historically excluded groups through cinema. I aid in providing a space for these communities in our screenings, exhibitions, programs and workshops to celebrate movies while discussing and challenging the dominant narrative in film. As a Filipino, I’ve rarely seen my experience portrayed on-screen, if ever. As a result, I know how many people feel when consuming this artform they adore: there isn’t a place for them in this glamorous, elitist industry. My job at the Academy helps let them know that there is.

And no, it wasn’t easy. I wasn’t born with thousands or millions of dollars in the bank. My parents didn’t have all of these Hollywood connections so I can get any job I wanted or bring my screenplays to life. Everything I’ve made – or done professionally, for that matter – started from the ground up. It’s like finding a good spot to plant a seed and nourishing the soil until the plant – or film – has come to fruition. I’ve had to crowdfund my ass off to make all 3 films thus far, and I’m beyond fortunate that I’ve had family, friends and colleagues who’ve wanted to contribute.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I’d first take them to the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures. Note that I am pretty biased considering I work there as the Community and Impact Manager, but it truly is a sight to behold. Even if you’re not a “film lover” or “film buff,” the history of cinema is so rich, beautiful and challenging that anyone who’s interested in not only art, but also the impact of it on culture would appreciate what the museum has in store.

After that, let’s go ahead and eat in the amazing restaurant in the museum called Fanny’s. The chefs know what they’re doing and the food is spectacular. In addition, there’s a cocktail menu that has drinks named after movies.

From there, I’ll take them to this amazing coffee shop called Obet & Del’s Coffee because they have my favorite drink in town: the Filipino Iced Coffee.

During this weeklong trip (rich friend, eh?), I’d also take them on a hike to the Griffith Observatory. It’s not the easiest hike in the world, but it’s also not the hardest. It’s a good workout and the views of the city when you’re near the top can be breathtaking.

Continuing my nerdy movie streak, I’d take them to this rental place called Videotheque. People want to claim that physical media is “dead.” I beg to differ. I love physical media because it not only makes me feel nostalgic, it forms a relationship between you and the item that goes beyond any bond you can form with something streaming.

And you know what? Let’s go to Noah’s Bagels. Sure its bagels and sandwiches are good, but I mostly said that now because I’m craving it at this exact moment.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
The people who have to hear me talking my head off the most: my mom, dad, brother and girlfriend! Rather than feeling bad that they have to put up with me the most, they keep me going whenever doubt creeps in (happens more often than you might expect). Without their support, love, care and, above all, patience, I’m nowhere near the filmmaker, community builder or person that I am today. Sure it takes a village to make a film or create a sense of belonging for people, but it also takes one to build a person. I could’ve chosen one of my mentors for this section or even a movie that’s meant a lot to me, but I’d be remiss if I didn’t choose the 4 people who keep me sane. I love you, Mom, Dad, Machu and Yazmine!

Instagram: @android0107

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-acedo-758b7b122/

Other: https://cineasianfilms.com/shorts/good-filipino-kids/

Image Credits
On-set film pictures by Christine Sandoval