Author: Ara Chawdhury, Marichin Marukoy!

¡Oi, Marichin Marukoy! A Sneak Peek into Fresh Filipino Folklore
Sunday, 6/1/2025
3:00 - 5:30
Koret Auditorium
Koret Lobby
Main Library

100 Larkin Street
San Francisco, CA 94102
United States

415-557-4400

Step into the whimsical world of Marichin Marukoy, a shapeshifter from the mystical island of Isla de Panamao. “Marichin Marukoy, Mangayo Ko’g Asin! (May I Have Some Salt)” is an English-Bisaya bilingual book by Filipina filmmaker, Ara Chawdhury, that tells the story of Marichin, a mountain-dwelling shapeshifter who is learning to master her magic.

 

This special event will feature a Bisaya and English reading of the book performed by surprise, fabulous guest readers. It will also feature a first look of the magical stop motion film-in-progress based on the book, followed by a panel discussion with the filmmaker and her collaborators exploring the world of Marichin Marukoy, its roots in Filipino Folklore, Philippine Cottage Core or “Bukid Core”, and its expression through sets, costumes and doll customization.

 

There will be free coloring pages and activities for children, making this event a fun-filled time for families and kids-at-heart. Don’t miss out! 

 

Ara Chawdhury (she/her) is an award-winning Filipina-Desi writer, director, producer, musician, translator, and author. She tells stories in English, Filipino, and Cebuano. Her work has been showcased at the New York Asian Film Festival in 2012 and Yerba Buena Center for the Arts (YBCA) Best of Philippine Cinema program in 2016. Ara recently shared her expertise on Filipino screenwriting at the January 2025 Division of Filipinx Americans (DoFA) Conference at UC Davis.

Connect:

Ara Chawdhury - Website | Ara Chawdhury - Instagram

 

Christian Linaban (he/him) is a multi-awarded Filipino director, cinematographer, editor and musician. One of the pioneers of the BINISAYA Cebuano New Wave Movement with a Gawad Urian for his cinematography on long take film Damgo ni Eleuteria, he is always looking for new ways to experiment with form.

 Connect:

Christian Linaban - LinkedIn

 

champoy (hey/them/he/him/siya) is a queer interdisciplinary artist, weaving narrative through film, installation, and performance. They have received numerous awards and citations and now serve as a parent, a co-creator at The School for the Ecocene and an educator for Bay Area youth.

Connect:

champoy - Website

 

Jared Gochuico (he/him) is a Filipino American technical artist and engineer who has designed projects like collapsible wooden caves and dragon puppets for Bindlestiff Theater and Hungry Ghost Festival in San Francisco. His hobbies include painting, video game design, and 3D printing set designs for impactful productions that share AAPI heritage.

Connect:

Jared Gochuico - Website

 

Angie Chaparro (they/them) is a Colombian stop motion animator and puppet fabricator who earned their BA in Animation at the California College of the Arts. Their thesis film, "Pajarito" received multiple awards and citations, premiering internationally at the Lonely Wolf Film Festival in 2023 where it was semifinalist for best animated film.

Connect:

Angie Chaparro - LinkedIn

Author Readings & Lectures

Engage with your favorite writers and discover your next read.

Filipino American Interest

Connect to engaging discussions and performances related to the Filipino American community.

Spotlight

This program is sponsored by Friends of the San Francisco Public Library.

Attending Programs

All programs are drop-in (no registration necessary) unless otherwise noted. All SFPL locations are wheelchair accessible. For accommodations (such as ASL), call (415) 557-4557 or contact accessibility@sfpl.org. Requesting at least 3 business days in advance will help ensure availability.

This program will be conducted in English unless otherwise noted.

Notice: This event may be filmed or photographed. By participating in this event, you consent to have your likeness used for the Library’s archival purposes and promotional materials. If you do not want to be photographed, please inform a staff person or the photographer. A sticker will be provided to help identify you so that we can avoid capturing your image.

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