Kamayan (Ka—Mah—Yan) translates to the word "hands." Today, many Filipinos and non-Filipinos alike associate the word "Kamayan" with a feast: a full array of Filipino food atop banana leaves spread across a long table. The only utensil allowed is... hands. But Kamayan means something more, too—it's a philosophical key to explore the deeper meaning of what it means to be Filipino.

For Filipinos, culture and cuisine are intertwined. They are two strands of a double-helix that lend structure to one another and form the DNA of a people. Kamayan explores the cultural and culinary history of the Philippine archipelago—and the evolution of the practices and ingredients from the pre-colonial Philippines through Spanish and American colonialism to today. By examining this rich history, Kamayan builds bridges: between homeland Filipinos and Filipino Americans in their shared identity, and between older generations fearful of losing their culture, and younger generations eager to bring Filipino cuisine into the mainstream.

Your donation is tax-deductible! Kamayan Film is a fiscally sponsored project of the International Documentary Association (IDA), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Contributions in support of Kamayan Film are payable to IDA and are tax-deductible.