Community Film Screening of Bolinao 52

This June, we are gathering in the Highland Park neighborhood in Los Angeles in honor of World Refugee Day 2026 with a special community screening of Bolinao 52, a documentary by filmmaker Duc Nguyen and a two-time regional Emmy Award winning film. The screening comes at a meaningful moment, as last year marked 50 years since the fall of Saigon, a turning point that led tens of thousands of Vietnamese people to flee their homeland.

The film tells a powerful true story of survival, loss, and the courage to hope; one that deeply echoes the resilience of so many refugees we walk alongside.

About the film: Bolinao 52 reflects the broader experience of thousands of Vietnamese families who were forced to flee their homeland following the Vietnam War, escaping political persecution, imprisonment in re-education camps, and severe economic hardship under the post-war communist regime -- risking their lives at sea in search of freedom and safety. This history comes into sharp focus through one specific and devasting journey. In 1988, an overcrowded boat carrying 110 Vietnamese people fleeing Vietnam became stranded in the Pacific Ocean. During their 37 days at sea, the group endured violent storms, engine failures, and extreme hunger and thirst. A U.S. Navy ship reportedly refused to rescue them, forcing the passengers to continue drifting at sea under unimaginable conditions. Only 52 survived. They were ultimately rescued by Filipino fishermen and brought to Bolinao, Philippines.

Bolinao 52 Trailer: Bolinao 52 Trailer | Videos & Movies on Vimeo

A special thank you to the film director Duc Nguyen who offered his film for this screening, and to Scribble for donating their venue.

Donations will be accepted to support Home for Refugees and our work resettling refugees. More details coming soon, including event time and registration information. We would love for you to join us.

Event questions:
Please email Andrea Castillo at a.castillo@hfrusa.org.