Meet Aina Dumlao of Undercurrent Films in Universal City

Today we’d like to introduce you to Aina Dumlao.

Aina, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I was born in the Philippines, lovingly cared for and nurtured by the best person I know – my Mom.

She worked late nights and weekends, to make ends meet, so a large chunk of my formative years was spent by myself, at home. Books and our tiny TV set were my best friends growing up. And boy, I read and watched EVERYTHING that I could get my hands on. I read Archie comics, Filipino graphic novels, American classics… watched Philippine soaps, American sitcoms, and even snuck out of bed at 10 pm to watch Gone With The Wind even when I was eight.

And it was then, in my moments alone as a little kid, that my desire to be part of the entertainment industry as an actress and filmmaker was born. I just didn’t think it could EVER happen for me. People who weren’t half-something (Caucasian, Chinese, etc.), or weren’t part of ‘acting dynasties’ almost never get a shot in the Philippine film industry.

And so, little 8-year-old me put my dreams in cold storage until… Fast forward to 5-something years ago, Los Angeles became my new home, and my dreams were within reach all of a sudden. 🙂

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
My experiences as a Filipina actress here in Los Angeles has really toughened me up.

From a manager, I met with early on, who said, “I could never be anything more than a co-star”… Going to auditions for Asian roles where producers/directors really meant ‘East Asians’ (Koreans, Chinese, Japanese) and not Filipinos … To the overall lack of opportunities for Filipino-Americans in general, in front of and behind the camera…

Thankfully, the industry is slowly, but surely, moving in the right direction. I see more and more diversity/inclusivity programs for writers, directors, and actors of color, popping up. Networks and studios are finally making more of an effort to create shows and films that reflect all the colors of our current world.

As a filmmaker, I hope to be part of this change, by telling my own, unique, stories… that everyone can still see themselves in.

Please tell us about Undercurrent Films.
Along with my two partners – Bru Muller (also my partner in life!) and Corey Cooper – I own a boutique production company, “Undercurrent Films.’

In the past, we’ve shot commercials for brands such as Western Union, Bayer, Head & Shoulders. Our current focus, however, is our short film ‘Diwa,’ currently making its festival rounds.

It’s a social justice film about an undocumented immigrant from the Philippines – so it’s a project that’s near and dear to my heart for many reasons. We are also currently putting the final touches on the feature film screenplay of ‘Diwa,’ and also laying the groundwork for two TV shows.

As a ‘day job,’ Bru and I also run ‘Undercurrent Studios’ – a self-tape/audition coaching business for actors. We pride ourselves in bringing our full-spectrum of filmmaking/acting sensibilities when we coach actors.

Since we’re actors ourselves, have cast our own projects, direct commercials and films, we bring all of our experiences to the table when we help actors with their auditions. (“,)

If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
I’d shake lil’ eight years old me, and tell her: “You’re good enough. Go for it.”

Contact Info:

• Address: 3450 Cahuenga Blvd. W. #510, Los Angeles, CA 90068
• Website: www.undercurrentstudios.com
• Phone: 310-795-8512
• Email: [email protected]

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