Film: Pandemic Bread, Screening and Discussion

Tuesday, 3/17/2026
5:30 - 7:00
Saroyan Area - 6th Floor
Main Library

100 Larkin Street
San Francisco, CA 94102
United States

415-557-4400
Register

Pandemic Bread is a short dramatic film about a Filipino interpreter taking an end-of-life call with a doctor and an elderly woman diagnosed with COVID in her quarantined hospital room. This is a story of resilience, agency, and hope told through the eyes of the interpreter who bakes bread during the call. The film involves a unique collaboration with San Diego Filipino community, UCSD students, and film professionals. By coming together to creatively express COVID-related experiences, this film offers an artistic vehicle of catharsis to aid in collective healing. Please register here so we can get an approximate headcount.

NR, 22 mins., 2023. Film in English and Tagalog with closed captions (CC) in English.

The film is adapted from a story of the same title written by Marivi Soliven, and inspired by her day job as a phone interpreter. The story is included in her collection of Filipino Immigrant stories, Suddenly Stateside:Postscript. A moderated conversation follows the screening.

Marivi Soliven has authored 19 books, including The Mango Bride, winner of the 2011 Palanca Award, the Philippine counterpart of the Pulitzer Prize. “Pandemic Bread” her story about interpreting for end-of-life calls was adapted to a short film, which has screened at 11 film festivals across the country, Mexico and the UK. Suddenly Stateside:  Postscript, a collection of immigrant tales, and her historical novel Taxi Dancer will be published in 2026.

Connect: Marivi Soliven - website

Film & Video

Watch party and film discussions. 

Filipino American Interest

Connect to engaging discussions and performances related to the Filipino American community.

Spotlight

This program is sponsored by Friends of the San Francisco Public Library.

Attending Programs

All programs are drop-in (no registration necessary) unless otherwise noted. All SFPL locations are wheelchair accessible. For accommodations (such as ASL), call (415) 557-4557 or contact accessibility@sfpl.org. Requesting at least 3 business days in advance will help ensure availability.

This program will be conducted in English unless otherwise noted.

Notice: This event may be filmed or photographed. By participating in this event, you consent to have your likeness used for the Library’s archival purposes and promotional materials. If you do not want to be photographed, please inform a staff person or the photographer. A sticker will be provided to help identify you so that we can avoid capturing your image.

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