Lindsay Castillo has something to say. And this actress, writer and director is doing so in the best way she knows how: through the power of film. Her new web series is called The Maharlika Warrior Spirit and a short film was launched this week on YouTube to introduce the public to her project. Watch it here:
It tells the story of a young Filipino-American who answers the call from her ancestors to continue their legacy of fighting on behalf of women in distress.
The film, as well as each episode in development, zones in on serious issues facing women like domestic violence, sex trafficking and rape. The all-too-real scenarios and dramatic encounters are captivating and leave viewers cheering for the central character, who refuses to be a victim or back down to domineering males. The Maharlika Warrior is, in fact, played by Castillo herself and bears some striking similarities to her own life. After all, she is a strong and accomplished female of Filipino and African-American descent, an advocate for women’s causes and founder of LindsayLuvzU – the only all-female Filipino movie production company based in the United States.
Since the release of the teaser film on May 6, it has received more than 23,000 views and Castillo’s Instagram followers have climbed steadily to well over 20,000 as well.
“I wanted to give women of all color a relatable and bad-ass heroine who refuses to back down and supports other females in her life. Too much of media depicts us as the weaker sex and, by providing more characters like the Maharlika Warrior, I hope to make women feel more empowered,” explained Castillo. “But make no mistake, at the heart of the show is the entertainment factor and from early feedback, people are loving the film and want to see more.”
The LindsayLuvzU production company started in Coral Springs, Florida, and has extended to Los Angeles, California. LindsayLuvzU Productions offers a variety of services including video campaigns for brands, red carpet hosting as well as writing, directing, production and acting services for documentaries, ads, movies and theater.
“Women who are suffering from abuse or exploitation need to know that they are supported and I hope this film and the upcoming series convey that,” she added.
For more information about Lindsay Castillo and LindsayLuvzU Productions, go to LindsayLuvzU.com or @LindsayLuvzu on Instagram. To check out The Maharlika Warrior Spirit short film, go to http://www.youtube.com/c/TheLindsayLuvzUShow.