Official artwork for Maybe It’s Just the Rain, a short documentary directed by Reina Bonta.
Short documentary, now available on the Los Angeles Times platform, links the Philippines’ 2023 World Cup campaign to a family story shaped by war and migration
LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles Times is now hosting Maybe It’s Just the Rain, a 16-minute documentary directed by Reina Bonta that follows the Philippine women’s national football team’s first appearance at the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
The film, which circulated through international festivals including the Cannes Marché du Film and DOC NYC, is now available on the publication’s digital platform.
A breakthrough campaign from within
The Philippines’ entry into the 2023 tournament marked its first appearance in a FIFA Women’s World Cup. After qualifying in 2022, the team recorded its first goal and its first win, defeating co-host New Zealand, 1–0, in group-stage play. The goal, scored by Sarina Bolden, was the country’s first in a Women’s World Cup and secured its first victory.
Bonta, a defender on the squad, builds the film from footage recorded during the campaign. The documentary combines that material with archival footage and recorded audio to present an intimate account of the tournament experience.
Where the story begins: family archive
The film draws on home videos and recorded audio to frame the World Cup story, placing the tournament within a broader personal timeline.
Rather than focusing exclusively on match play, the narrative situates the team’s campaign alongside earlier family experiences, using personal material to connect past and present.
A family history carried forward
That personal dimension is carried through Bonta’s grandmother, Cynthia Bonta, who is featured in the film. Following the tournament, the documentary traces a visit to her hometown in the Philippines.
In the film, recorded audio recounts her experiences during the Japanese occupation of the Philippines in World War II and her later migration to the United States. These accounts are presented as part of a family narrative and are interwoven with contemporary footage.
Built from personal record
Maybe It’s Just the Rain is directed by Bonta, who also served as cinematographer with Rob Bonta. Producers are Mel Mah and Frances Rubio, with Jefferson Cheng as executive producer. Editing is by Sarah Garrahan, with a score by Caroline Ho and sound design credited to Christina Wen in the film’s materials.
At 16 minutes, the film is constructed from home videos, voice recordings, and other personal material rather than external narration.
Player behind the lens
Bonta’s dual role as player and filmmaker shapes the documentary. A graduate of Yale University in Film and Media Studies, she has played professionally, including with Santos FC in Brazil, and was part of the Philippine squad at the 2023 World Cup.
She has also been involved in youth football outreach, including a football experience camp in her grandmother’s hometown of Dumaguete aimed at encouraging young girls to participate in the sport.
From festival circuit to public release
The film’s availability on the Los Angeles Times platform reflects a broader push by legacy media organizations into short-form documentary storytelling.
“We’re grateful for this partnership with the Los Angeles Times, which allows the film to be experienced by audiences everywhere,” Bonta said in a statement.
“Whether you didn’t catch it during our film festival run, want to revisit it, or are hoping to share it with others — this is for you,” she added.
“This one’s for my Lola.”
