GOOD TALK WITH SET HERNANDEZ

Director & Producer of UNSEEN

REQUEST A GOOD TALK WITH SET HERNANDEZ

Originally from the Philippines, Set Hernandez is a queer, undocumented immigrant, who dedicates their filmmaking to expand the portrayal of their community on screen. Their films primarily focus on the intersectionality of immigration with other experiences, be it abolition, labor, healthcare, or disability. Set's background in community organizing is rooted in collaborative practices that engage participants in a culturally relevant model. With a research background in film studies and linguistics, Set brings an analytical approach to cinema and social impact by celebrating narratives from perspectives that are often overlooked. Set is interested in complicating dominant narratives and pushing the aesthetics of film.

Expertise
My work lies at the intersection of filmmaking and community organizing, so naturally, I am interested in finding poetry within the political realities we inhabit. I am especially passionate about discussing intersectionality and complicating narratives, be it immigration, healthcare, accessibility, gender justice, imperialism and beyond. As a long-time community organizer with a background in academic research, I have experience in facilitating workshops, developing lectures/presentations, and exploring pedagogical approaches with audiences. I am a big believer of participatory practices and co-creation, where I use my presentations to provoke questions that I unpack with the group. I aspire for my presentations to spark a renewed sense of understanding for participants (whether it's new ways of understanding other people or even their own selves).

Speaking History
• Film events: Sundance Film Festival, Gotham Week, International Documentary Association Getting Real Conference, Film Independent Forum, DOC NYC Pro, Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival, Center for Asian American Media, New Orleans Film Festival
• Universities: University of Pennsylvania, UCLA, UC Irvine, UC Berkeley, Syracuse University, New York University
• Non-profits/conferences: Asian Americans Advancing Justice National Conference, Open Society Foundations, Allied Media Conference, Asian American Journalist Association