Left by the Ship

Left by the Ship is a thoughtful and moving documentary, released in 2010, that brings light to a little-known social issue involving the children of American naval servicemen and local women in the Philippines. This poignant feature was directed by Emma Rossi-Landi and Alberto Vendemmiati, and through the intimate lens of their cameras, they take us on a journey deep into the personal narratives of these so-called "Amerasians."

The movie's title, Left by the Ship, is a symbolic representation of the American naval servicemen who left behind an enduring part of themselves in the form of offspring conceived during their stay in the Philippines. The U.S. naval base in Subic Bay, along with the Clark Airfield, were among the largest U.S military facilities outside America. The bases were closed in 1992, but an estimated 50,000 Amerasian children were left behind: a new generation orphaned not by death, but by departure.

The film uses its runtime to deftly explore the lives of four Amerasians - Robert, Margaret, JR, and Charlene - whose fathers were personnel on the U.S military bases at Subic Bay and Clark. Their shared experiences paint a vivid picture of the struggles they face on a daily basis, such as poverty, discrimination, and identity crises. These are individuals who are carved out of two worlds but find a home in neither, living in a society that views them as the embodiment of its troubled past with America.

Left by the Ship is underpinned by a valuable sociopolitical commentary that leaves no stone unturned, focusing on the laws that deny U.S. citizenship to Filipinos fathered by U.S. military men. Meanwhile, other nationality Amerasians (from South Korea, Thailand, Vietnam, etc.) are granted U.S. citizenship under the Amerasian Immigration Act of 1982. This disparity in policy treatment is a key point of discussion in the film, and it lends a somber weight to the human stories being told.

The directors do an excellent job of presenting the lingering effects of an American colonial hangover on present-day Filipino society. They subtly lay out the harsh realities of the lives of Amerasians, holding a candid mirror to society's mistreatment and neglect of them. These individuals are often forced to live on the fringes, leading lives characterized by an unending search for identity and acceptance from both their societies.

In one segment of the film, the issue of a proposed legislation that seeks to extend U.S. citizenship to Filipino Amerasians is explored. However, the main focus isn't the political wrangling or socio-economic implications, but rather the human aspect - how such a development might affect those who have been left by the ship.

Left by the Ship does more than just expose a problematic societal issue; it presents the Amerasians as human beings, not just a byproduct of a political circumstance. It goes beyond the boundaries of a mere documentary, touching the heartstrings of the viewers as they connect with the emotions and plight of the protagonists as they seek recognition, acceptance, and, above all, a place they can rightfully call home.

The heart-rendering personal narratives, combined with striking cinematography and a powerful score, make Left by the Ship a compelling watch. As viewers, we are left with much to think about, particularly our understanding of identity, belonging and the unintended consequences of geo-political decisions on the very lives of people.

While Left by the Ship is undoubtedly a film about struggle and abandonment, it is also a testament to the human spirit's incredible resilience. Despite their difficult circumstances, the protagonists are shown fighting for their rightful place in society, pursuing dreams, and striving to create a better future for themselves. Their personal stories serve as a reminder that in any global discourse, it is imperative to consider the lives that are most intimately affected.

In the end, Left by the Ship is a profound and illuminating documentary that certainly leaves a considerable impact. By exploring a lesser-known facet of the Philippines' relationship with America, it reflects on the fundamental essence of human identity and the need for societal acceptance. Thought-provoking and heartbreaking, yet hopeful and resilient, Left by the Ship is a cinematic voyage that’s worth undertaking for any movie buff - an honest mirror to a forgotten generation, shunning their obscurity and giving them a voice that echoes long after the credits roll.