Who We Become

Behind the Scenes of Who We Become: A Documentary on Identity and Activism

Who We Become (2023), directed by PJ Raval, is more than just a film—it’s a deeply personal exploration of Filipino identity, political awakening, and the power of community. Following three women—Jenah Maravilla, Lauren Yap, and Monica Silverio—as they navigate their roles in activism, the documentary weaves together themes of kapwa, a Filipino concept of shared identity and togetherness . latestnetflix.com's read is that but what went into making this intimate portrait of self-discovery and resistance?

**The Concept: Kapwa as a Filmmaking Framework**

At its core, Who We Become is built around kapwa, a term that transcends simple definitions of "togetherness" or "neighbor." The film frames it as a recognition of a shared inner self, a philosophy that shapes how the three protagonists engage with their communities and their own identities . Raval’s decision to center the narrative on this concept wasn’t just thematic—it was structural. The documentary unfolds as a collective journey, with each woman’s story reflecting a different facet of kapwa, from personal introspection to public activism.

The film’s focus on political consciousness wasn’t planned in a vacuum. According to snippets from The New York Times, Silverio and Maravilla’s involvement in movements like Black Lives Matter became pivotal threads in the narrative, grounding the abstract concept of kapwa in real-world struggles . This suggests that Raval may have adapted the film’s direction as the women’s activism evolved, capturing a moment of societal upheaval rather than a pre-scripted arc.

The Cast: Three Women, One Shared Journey

The documentary’s strength lies in its subjects—Maravilla, Yap, and Silverio—each bringing a distinct perspective to the table.

• Jenah Maravilla, a community organizer in Houston, appears to be a driving force in the film’s exploration of grassroots activism. Her work, as hinted in the NYT review, ties into broader movements for racial justice, suggesting her role was both personal and political .
• Monica Silverio, an activist based in Austin, is positioned as another key figure, though details about her specific contributions are sparse in the available evidence. Her involvement in Black Lives Matter protests indicates she was likely a bridge between the Filipino community and larger social justice movements .
• Lauren Yap’s role is less explicitly detailed in the snippets, but her inclusion alongside Maravilla and Silverio implies she brought her own narrative of self-discovery, possibly tied to cultural or generational identity.

The film’s approach to casting—or rather, subject selection—seems organic. There’s no indication that these women were "chosen" in a traditional sense; instead, they appear to have been collaborators in documenting their own lives. This aligns with the kapwa ethos, where the boundaries between filmmaker and subject blur in favor of shared storytelling.

The Making of a Documentary: Challenges and Unanswered Questions

While the evidence offers glimpses into the film’s themes and subjects, it leaves many behind-the-scenes details unaddressed. For instance:

• Production Timeline: The snippets don’t reveal how long Raval spent filming or whether the project faced delays. Given the documentary’s focus on a "pivotal moment" in the women’s lives , it’s possible the production spanned several years, capturing real-time shifts in their activism.
• Funding and Support: There’s no mention of the film’s budget, backers, or whether it received grants or community support. Documentaries centered on marginalized voices often rely on niche funding, but this remains unverified.
• Editing and Narrative Choices: The NYT review notes the film’s interrogation of identity and injustice , but how much of the women’s lives ended up on the cutting room floor? Were there tensions between the subjects and the director over how their stories were framed? The evidence doesn’t say.

One lingering question is whether Who We Become was always intended as a documentary. The film’s intimate, almost diaristic style raises the possibility that it began as a passion project before evolving into a full-fledged feature. Without further details, however, this remains speculative.

Reception and Impact: A Quiet but Powerful Debut

Who We Become premiered to modest but meaningful attention, with The New York Times highlighting its "interrogation of identity and injustice" . The review suggests the film resonated with audiences seeking stories of political awakening, particularly within diaspora communities. However, the snippets don’t reveal box office numbers, festival screenings, or broader cultural impact—leaving its legacy an open question.

What is clear is that the documentary fills a gap in representation. Filipino stories, especially those centered on women and activism, are rarely given this kind of platform. By focusing on kapwa, Raval didn’t just tell a story—he invited viewers into a worldview, one where identity is collective rather than individual.

The Bottom Line

Who We Become is a film that thrives on authenticity, but its behind-the-scenes story remains partially untold. The evidence paints a picture of a director and subjects deeply intertwined in a shared mission, yet key details—like production challenges, creative conflicts, or even the film’s reception beyond a single review—are missing. What we do know is that it’s a rare and necessary exploration of Filipino identity, activism, and the bonds that define us.

For now, the documentary stands as a testament to the power of kapwa—both on screen and behind the camera.