Rice is Life / Kanin at Buhay

Based on the true story of Luc Cagadoc.  In April 2006, the seven-year old was humiliated by a teacher in his Montreal school who mocked him for eating with a fork and a spoon, something that is common practice among many Filipinos.  He was instructed to 'eat like a Canadian'.   In April 2010, the Quebec Human Rights Tribunal awarded the Cagadoc damages for being the victim of racial and ethnic discrimination.

The video narration features the “Philippine Pledge of Allegiance” recited in Filipino.  This is the English translation:

I love the Philippines.
This is the land of my birth.
This is the home of my race.
By her (the land) I am watched and helped
To become strong, happy, and productive.
In return, I will listen to the counsel of my parents,
I will obey the regulations of my school,
I will fulfill the responsibilities of a patriotic citizen, obedient to the law,
I will serve my country without selfishness and with complete integrity,
I will try to be a true Filipino
In thought, in word, and in deed.

---

Rice is Life / Kanin at Buhay (2008)
Dir. Jo SiMalaya Alcampo (Canada)
DV, Stop-motion animation
Stereo, Colour, 1.33
Runtime: 1.40 min

Exhibition:
OCAD Student Retrospective - curated by Integrated Media Faculty & Students (Toronto) May 2008