Why did a Canadian make an aswang documentary and create The Aswang Project? The simple answer is because nobody else did. Also, Philippine Mythology is awesome! When I first became interested in Filipino Folklore back in 2004, I was shocked to find that there was no standardized educational resource for this part of Philippine history. More so, that the information regarding the aswang was inconsistently recycled and scattered. I wished I could find a single resource as a jumping off point to learn more about the history, evolution and societal impacts of the aswang. This is why I made “The Aswang Phenomenon” documentary.
The documentary was a labour of love and I had no idea how it was going to be received. After a short festival run, the documentary was released to the public on October 31, 2011. Three and a half year on, I can’t express my gratitude to those who have embraced the documentary and shared it with others. It is included in university libraries all over the world and has become a staple in many college courses in the Philippines. It is approaching 2 million views on YouTube and has spawned thousands of online comments and discussions. My last narrative line in the documentary stated my hopes for the film…
“When I began this journey, I never suspected that one word was so integral to the control, development and progress of the nation. For better or worse, the aswang is part of Filipino society. Understanding where the word came from is the first step in dispelling its power and the fear it creates. I hope this film contributes to this and creates an understanding and dialogue to ensure that a word representing evil can evolve into an educational tool, and a thread in the historical timeline of the Philippines.”
My dream for this film was realized, and I receive emails and messages from college students at the start of every semester. It encouraged me to launch The Aswang Project website and go into production on documentaries featuring other creatures of Philippine Mythology. Follow us on Facebook and keep updated about the Tikbalang, Kapre, Tiyanak, Manananggal, Bakunawa, and Diwata documentaries coming soon. I will also keep advocating for Philippine Mythology to be taught as part of the K-12 curriculum and compiling hard to find information and papers on The Aswang Project website.
Thank you for allowing me to explore your culture and for being so receptive, kind and welcoming. I think Philippine Mythology is among the most interesting in the world. It’s an added bonus that I get to collaborate and work with so many talented and inspiring people in the Philippines and around the world.
“The Aswang Phenomenon” documentary is available to watch for free on YouTube.
Jordan Clark is a Canadian born descendant of Scottish immigrants living on the homelands of the Lekwungen speaking peoples. His interest in Philippine myth and folklore began in 2004. Finding it difficult to track down resources on the topic, he founded The Aswang Project in 2006. Shortly after, he embarked on a 5 year journey, along with producing partner Cheryl Anne del Rosario, to make the 2011 feature length documentary THE ASWANG PHENOMENON – an exploration of the aswang myth and its effects on Philippine society. In 2015 he directed “The Creatures of Philippine Mythology” web-series, which features 3 folkloric beings from the Philippines – the TIKBALANG, KAPRE and BAKUNAWA. Episodes are available to watch on YouTube. Jordan recently oversaw the editing for the English language release of Ferdinand Blumentritt’s DICCIONARIO MITOLÓGICO DE FILIPINAS (Dictionary of Philippine Mythology) and is working on two more releases with fellow creators scheduled for release later this year. When his nose isn’t in a book, he spends time with his amazing Filipina wife of 20 years and their smart and wonderful teenaged daughter.
