LOGLINE
Chris 'CHiRPiE' Mercado, a first-generation American & Disney choreographer, burdened by a life of high expectations and personal loss, embarks on a transformative journey back to the Philippines, seeking to heal and reconnect with the cultural roots that have long felt like a distant echo in his fast-paced American life.
"I am an American, that much of me is certain. But the rest is a fusion, a cultural song that has its rhythm in America but its melody in the East."
— Ha Jin,
Author and Poet
MEeT
CHRIs "CHiRPiE" MERCADO
Chris "CHiRPiE" Mercado, the dynamic heart of our documentary "Reconnected," is a Filipino-American choreographer whose life story encapsulates the poignant journey of cultural and self-discovery. Known professionally as DJ Chirpie the Disney Kid, Chris initially dazzled global audiences with electrifying dance performances that earned him international acclaim. However, beneath his onstage persona lies a deeper, more introspective side grappling with his dual identity. In "Reconnected," we follow Chris as he navigates the complexities of his Filipino heritage and American upbringing, embarking on a transformative journey back to his ancestral roots in the Philippines. Through his eyes, the film explores the universal themes of belonging and identity, making Chris not just a performer, but a bridge between two worlds.
Summary
"Reconnected" is a compelling documentary featuring Chris "CHiRPiE" Mercado, a Filipino-American choreographer torn between his American upbringing and Filipino roots. Known as DJ Chirpie the Disney Kid, he dazzled audiences worldwide with his dynamic performances, yet struggled internally with his bicultural identity. Following the death of a close friend, Chris returns to his family home, leading to a profound journey back to the Philippines. There, he immerses himself in the culture of his ancestors, exploring vibrant communities and picturesque landscapes, which help him begin to reconcile his dual identity. Through Chris’s personal discovery, the film addresses the broader experience of first-generation individuals globally, offering a narrative that resonates with their search for cultural belonging and self-understanding.
The Universal Struggle of First-Generation Individuals Unveiled
The experience of first-generation individuals, feeling caught between the cultural heritage of their ancestors and the societal norms of their new homeland, is a poignant and universal phenomenon that resonates deeply across global communities. For many first-generation American Asians, the narratives of “back home” often linger as mere echoes—like a mythic place heard of but never seen. Their existence balances on a tightrope between two worlds, with one half echoing the familiarity of the American dream and the other half whispering of a distant heritage. Within this balance, a yearning stirs to fill the gaps of an identity not fully explored. This liminality is not confined to America; it is a shared struggle among first-generation populations worldwide, highlighting the rich, hybrid identities that emerge and the continuous reshaping of personal and communal identities in our interconnected world.
Lead/Co-Director
Osobarra Films
chris mercado
co-producer
Osobarra Films
vik chopra
co-director
Osobarra Films
jr mitchell
Producer/writer
Osobarra Films
beckett hobbs
FILMMAKERS
