A  legendary tattoo artist and her once banned art are the subject of Filipino-Canadian director Kent Donguines’ debut documentary feature Treasure of the Rice Terraces.

Production began in January and is expected to wrap in December, according to a spokesperson for the film. Shooting locations include Manila and Buscalan, Philippines, and Vancouver. The film is expected to have a 2024 release.

Treasure of the Rice Terraces is directed by Donguines (Paco, Kalinga) and written by Donguines and Zlatina Pacheva (Run the Burbs).

Jacob Crawford and Bailey Wood of B.C.-based Crawford Filmworks are the producers, with Donguines’ banner Aimer Films also listed as a production company. Coproducers on the film include Patti Lapus (Triangle of Sadness), Bianca Balbuena (Singing in Graveyards), and Grace Palicas. Lars Krutak (Tattoo Hunter) is executive producer.

Treasure of the Rice Terraces follows Donguines as he travels to Buscalan, a remote, mountainous village in Kalinga, Philippines, to meet 106-year-old Indigenous tattoo artist Apo Whang-Od and learn about the symbolism and stigma attached to Kalinga tattoos, according to a news release.

The film also looks at the issues of cultural appropriation and discrimination faced by tattooed individuals, as well the cases of stolen mummified bodies.

For Donguines, a 2021 Playback 10 to Watch alum, it is also a personal journey to reconnect with his roots, said the release.

Treasure of the Rice Terraces was developed in its early stage through the Hot Docs Doc Accelerator program and received development funding from Rogers Group of Funds, Creative BC and the Indigenous Screen Office. The Canada Media Fund and B.C.’s Knowledge Network funded its final development stage. The film’s budget was not disclosed, and a distributor has not been confirmed as of press time.

“As a first-generation Filipino-Canadian, I understand the importance of identity and belonging, and the desire to reconnect with one’s roots,” said Donguines in a statement.

“Through Treasure of the Rice Terraces, I hope to inspire the audience to reconnect with their own cultural roots through various means, such as traveling, reading, art exhibitions, or tattoos. I want to encourage viewers to reclaim their sense of pride in their culture and heritage, as I have done.”

Image courtesy of Crawford Filmworks and Aimer Films, pictured (L-R): Apo Whang-Od and Kent Donguines