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CHICAGO – One of the functions of cinema and especially documentary films is to unearth little known facts of life and make them known to participating audiences. “Nurse Unseen” is such a film, as it profiles the influence of Filipino nurses in American healthcare. The Asian Pop-Up Cinema (APUC) will present a screening of the film, in honor of Filipino American History Month, with appearances by Director Michele Josue and Producer Carlo Velayo, at AMC Oakbrook (Illinois) on October 8th. For ticket availability and info, click NURSE UNSEEN.

“Nurse Unseen” follows the unsung Filipino nurses who risked their lives on the frontlines of the Covid-19 pandemic in America. Featuring personal narratives from medical workers, grieving families, journalists and more, the feature-length documentary examines resilience, dedication and sacrifice during an unprecedented time of crisis. The film also unearths the colonial ties between the Philippines and the United States that have led to Filipino-American nurses becoming the unknown backbone of the American health industry, and their influence in American healthcare.

Nurse Unseen
Photo credit: AsianPopUpCinema.org

The Asian Pop-Up Cinema (APUC) an annual Asian Film Festival, and the brainchild of Sophia Wong Boccio, founder of Sophia’s Choice. The multi-pronged mission of APUC is cultivating an interest in and understanding of Asian cultures via a diverse offering of multi-country and regional films … connecting the Asian film industry with local Chicago film professionals, educators, and students … and promoting Chicago as a destination for international visitors.

Director Michele Josue is a veteran filmmaker whose first major documentary was “Matt Shepard is a Friend of Mine” (2014) and has collaborated with producer Carlo Velayo since then, including the TV series “Happy Jail” (2019). “Nurse Unseen” is Michele Josue’s fourth film.

In Part One of a Podtalk with Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com, Director Michele Josue and Producer Carlo Velayo of “Nurse Unseen” …

Part Two …

In a Video clip, Michele and Carlo expand on the film …

Trailer, “Nurse Unseen” …