Bola at Buhay/Ball and Life follows Jun, a young nurse who has recently moved from the Philippines to the San Francisco Bay Area, seeking a fresh start. Jun finds himself in a world that feels entirely alien and wrestles with feelings of isolation and longs to find a place in a new world. His life takes a turn when he stumbles upon a local basketball court. It’s here that Jun discovers something unexpected: a place where he feels connected, understood, and part of something bigger than himself.
The basketball court becomes Jun’s refuge, a place where basketball becomes more than a sport. It’s a bridge to friendships with people from all walks of life, each with their own stories and struggles. These teammates quickly become more than just fellow players; they become Jun’s makeshift family. As they share victories and losses, both on and off the court, the bonds they forge are tested by the challenges they face together.
by Ashley Romero (USA)
Cal Film Festival 