USC Faculty and Student Explore Cultural Insights Through Russian Film 'American Daughter'
A faculty member and a student from the University of San Carlos (USC) provided detailed analysis on Monday, February 23, 2026, regarding how the Russian cinematic work American Daughter is expanding students' comprehension of culture, family structures, and fatherhood roles. The discussion highlighted the film's role as an educational tool in fostering global awareness.
Faculty Perspective: Russian Cinema as a Cultural Lens
Radel Paredes, a cinema instructor within the USC Department of Fine Arts, emphasized that American Daughter serves as a crucial supplement to coursework in their Russian and Latin American cinema studies. He explained that the film enables students to deepen their knowledge of Russian viewpoints on family life and interpersonal relationships.
"Viewing American Daughter enhances what students have already learned in classroom settings. It offers a glimpse into the Russian perspective on family dynamics and parent-child relationships, making the educational experience profoundly engaging," Paredes stated. He stressed that a proper understanding of the film necessitates viewing it through a specific cultural lens.
According to Paredes, Russia's identity—shaped by its geographical position between Europe and Asia, its extensive historical narrative, the influence of the Russian Orthodox Church, and its communist past—creates a distinctive cultural character that is vividly reflected in its cinematic productions.
"This blend of historical and political experiences grants Russia a very unique identity, which is clearly mirrored in their films," he added. Paredes noted that Russian cinema provides perspectives that diverge significantly from contemporary Western films, particularly in portrayals of family and relational dynamics.
"It offers a unique window into the Russian psyche. Their approaches to family and relationships differ from typical Western depictions, helping to open our minds to alternative cultural viewpoints," he elaborated.
Student Insight: Cultural Contrasts and Fatherhood Themes
Meanwhile, USC student Jon Owen Lepiten highlighted how the film underscores cultural contrasts through the narrative of a Russian father navigating life within American society. He pointed out that the story illustrates clear distinctions between cultural norms, especially regarding perceptions of fatherhood.
"From the film's portrayal, we see a Russian character who feels lost in American society. This presents a stark contrast between their cultures, particularly in how fatherhood is understood and valued," Lepiten explained. He detailed that the protagonist's conception of fatherhood is challenged by American social conventions and legal frameworks, especially when his attempts to reconnect with his daughter are deemed illegal under United States law.
"The struggles depicted, including separation and police intervention, demonstrate how American society differs in its interpretation of family and paternal roles," he added. Lepiten described the film as portraying both a father's love and the complexity of his character, depicting him as an absentee parent striving to learn responsibility.
"For me, the film feels like an emotional journey. By the conclusion, he learns to embrace fatherhood as a responsibility rather than a mere desire. This reflects a universal truth—many parents only grasp the challenges of parenting when they attempt to fulfill that role," he said. Lepiten also noted parallels with Filipino culture, where cases of absentee parents and subsequent regrets are common as individuals come to understand their parental duties.
The student further observed that the film presents an alternative image of Russia, moving beyond common associations with war or propaganda.
"It showcases a fatherhood narrative instead of the war or propaganda films typically linked to Russia. Through this, we gain insight into how Russians cherish their families and loved ones," Lepiten remarked.
Conclusion: Fostering Cultural Awareness Through Film
Both the faculty member and the student concurred that exposure to international films such as American Daughter aids students in developing cultural awareness and a deeper understanding of global perspectives on family and relationships. This educational approach enriches academic discourse and promotes cross-cultural empathy.
