A new documentary called Amefil highlights the life and work of Filipina social justice and civil rights activist Amefil “Amy” Agbayani, emeritus assistant vice chancellor for student diversity at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. The 15-minute short film, released last year by filmmaker Eleni Avendaño, premiered at the Fall 2023 Hawaiʻi International Film Festival (HIFF) and will be screened at the upcoming Prince Waikiki Summer Flix presented by HIFF on July 17.
Retired from UH in 2016, Agbayani has made significant contributions to immigrants and underserved students throughout her decades-long career from the 1960s.
“She may be well known in political circles, but she often works behind the scenes,” said Avendaño, who was intrigued by Agbayani’s story. “I wasn’t confident Hawaiʻi‘s younger generation had heard of her or ever met her. I was hoping a film project like this could get her impactful life story on record.”
“Although I was not used to the camera following me around, the short film provided a valuable platform to share my journey and amplify the call for greater diversity and equity at the University of Hawaiʻi and across the state,” said Agbayani.
Avendaño noted Agbayani’s captivating personality and her “infectious energy, brilliant wit, and humor puts people at ease.”
“Those who don’t know her could underestimate her, but she has the ability to command a room and capture the attention of lawmakers,” she said. “She’s truly a phenomenon, and when she was willing to let me follow her around and attempt to capture at least part of her story on film, it was a huge honor.”
Documentary highlights
The documentary showcases Agbayani’s tireless work to promote equal access, diversity and inclusion in Hawaiʻi’s educational institutions. Avendaño explained, “Manang Amy has championed these values in Hawaiʻi’s classrooms and university lecture halls. She’s served as an administrator at UH and lobbied at the state Capitol for crucial causes like immigrant justice and educational opportunity.”
She added, “Amy and her colleagues have worked to fight systemic racism and discrimination for immigrants and the underserved for many decades. She inspires people to run for office and make change in their communities. How do you fit that into a 15-minute film? I tried to include as much as possible.”
The film highlighted the establishment of UH’s Office of Student Equity, Excellence, and Diversity (SEED), which evolved from a mentorship program for Filipino youth Agbayani helped create in the 1970s called Operation Manong. SEED now offers programs for Native Hawaiians, women, students with disabilities, LGBT students, and other underserved groups, thanks to Agbayani’s efforts.
Related: Agbayani earns East-West Center Women of Impact Award
In the film, Agbayani shared the story of Manuel Fragante, a man who sued the City and County of Honolulu for job discrimination relating to his accent.
“His story is interesting because, as Manang Amy tells it, they lost the case in court, but it ultimately helped to push for the creation of the Hawaiʻi Civil Rights Commission, of which she was founding chair,” said Avendaño.
At 81-years-old, Agbayani remains active. She recently received the East-West Center’s 2023 Women of Impact Award, and was selected by President Biden to serve on the White House Advisory Commission on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders.
“I have always believed in the power of education to transform lives and create opportunities for all,” said Agbayani. “I appreciate UH colleagues, students and the community for supporting me and programs to ensure that every student, regardless of their background, has access to the resources and support they need to succeed.”
Reaching a wider audience
Avendaño, also managing editor for HIKI NŌ on PBS Hawaiʻi, credited Hawaiʻi Women in Filmmaking and Vera Zambonelli for helping bring the project to fruition through their six-month Wahine Film Lab program.
“The project took me about two-and-a-half years to complete,” said Avendaño, who began the lab in summer 2021. “I shot most of the film while I was pregnant with my daughter, so at times it was hard to keep up with Manang Amy!”
Avendaño hopes to share Agbayani’s story with a wider audience and to host more public screenings. Visit the film website for up-to-date information.
