About The Film

"Steak Guerrillas" chronicles the powerful journey of Dr. Arturo M. Taca, a Filipino surgeon who fled political turmoil in his homeland only to find himself waging a covert battle against dictatorship from thousands of miles away. This documentary unveils Dr. Taca's transformation from a respected surgeon in St. Louis to a revolutionary figure in the Filipino democracy movement, exposing the personal sacrifices and relentless courage that drove him to challenge Ferdinand Marcos' regime.


Through gripping interviews, rare archival footage, and evocative animation, "Steak Guerrillas" brings Dr. Taca’s inspiring story to life.


From smuggling critical information to organizing resistance efforts, his role in the Movement for a Free Philippines was pivotal in rallying opposition to authoritarianism.


This is not only a historical account but a deeply personal narrative that reflects the universal fight for justice, freedom, and the preservation of democracy.


Steak Guerrillas

Set in St. Louis, Missouri, and spanning two nations, this powerful documentary delves into Dr. Arturo M. Taca's transformation into a key figure in the fight against Ferdinand Marcos. The story reveals Taca’s pivotal role in the Movement for a Free Philippines, a group of exiles committed to exposing the Marcos regime and supporting covert resistance efforts.



Logline

From the operating rooms of St. Louis to the political battlegrounds of exile, Dr. Arturo M. Taca waged a covert war against Ferdinand Marcos' dictatorship. This documentary unveils the extraordinary journey of a Filipino surgeon-turned-revolutionary who helped bring down a regime from halfway across the world.


Synopsis

In the early 1980s, Dr. Arturo Taca was more than just a surgeon; he was a quiet revolutionary.


Forced into exile following the imposition of martial law in the Philippines, he built a new life in St. Louis while his heart remained with his homeland.


Driven by a commitment to justice, Taca became a leader within the Movement for a Free Philippines, risking everything to bring democracy back to the Philippines.


Through rare archival footage, personal memoirs, and animated reenactments, "Steak Guerrillas" will vividly portray his covert operations—from smuggling documents and gathering intelligence to orchestrating guerrilla activities under FBI surveillance.


This film will be a profound tribute to Taca’s life, his family’s sacrifices, and the broader fight for freedom.


Themes

  • Sacrifice for Freedom: The immense personal costs borne by those fighting for democracy, even from afar.


  • Political Resistance in Exile: The untold resilience of individuals who, separated from their homeland, still worked tirelessly to bring down a dictatorship.


  • Family and Duty: Driven by love for his family and his people, Dr. Taca’s story is one of unwavering loyalty and duty, highlighting the close ties between personal and political life.


Inspiration


Inspired by Dr. Taca’s own memoirs entitled Steak Guerrillas, the documentary film offers an intimate look at his legacy as a freedom fighter. His story echoes the ongoing global struggle for justice, honoring the spirit of those who defied tyranny from across the Pacific.



Connection & Access

Our team has direct access to Dr. Taca’s family, who have granted permission to use personal archives, including photographs, home videos, and his riveting unpublished memoir "Steak Guerrillas".


This deep connection allows us to offer a uniquely intimate portrayal of Taca’s life and the impact of his activism.


We are also collaborating with historians and former members of the Movement for a Free Philippines to ensure historical accuracy and depth.






So What Are Steak Guerrillas?

From Derision to Defiance: Embracing the Steak Guerrillas  Moniker


The terms "steak guerrillas" and "steak commandos" were coined by Ferdinand Marcos to belittle expatriate opponents, especially those like Dr. Arturo M. Taca  who were leaders in the Movement for a Free Philippines (MFP), suggesting they waged a comfortable, distant battle against his regime. 


Dr. Taca chose to reclaim this term to title his personal memoir Steak Guerrillas, highlighting the diverse and dedicated individuals who, who despite their varied backgrounds, at great personal risk to themselves and their loved ones, united against dictatorship. 


Our film's title, "Steak Guerrillas," reflects this reclamation, showcasing the courage of one man who sacrificed and risked everything to fight for freedom.


Our Vision and Approach


Blending historical footage with original artwork and animation, this film will evoke both the gritty atmosphere of 1970s St. Louis and the intensity of a nation under martial law. 


Every frame will be crafted to transport viewers into Dr. Taca’s world—a world marked by secrecy, surveillance, and sacrifice.


With a Filipino-inspired aesthetic guiding our artistic direction, the documentary will honor the cultural and historical significance of Taca’s activism, making this a uniquely immersive experience for audiences worldwide.

Meet The Filmmakers


“Through Dr. Taca’s eyes, we want to reveal the personal cost of fighting for justice from afar.  Dr. Taca’s journey reminds us of the strength required to pursue truth, even at great personal risk.


This film is more than a historical account; it’s a call to honor those who, from exile, defied dictatorship and preserved hope for future generations.


We are committed to illuminating his life and legacy in a way that inspires courage and sparks meaningful reflection on our own commitment to justice and our shared fight to preserve our fragile American democracy that celebrates 250 years in 2026.”


-RON WATERMON, DIRECTOR

Joel Trinidad - Actor, Dr. Arturo M. Taca

A theater professional from the Philippines, Joel Trinidad has been granted Permanent Residency status in the US (aka a Green Card) based on his body of work. 


He has performed in over 75 plays and musicals, including the Asian Premieres of AVENUE Q and THE 25th ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE (Philippines and Singapore); SOMETHING TO CROW ABOUT (La MaMa Theater); and PROOF (opposite Tony and Olivier Award-winner Lea Salonga). 


On screen, he has acted alongside the likes of Bob Hoskins (in NORIEGA: GOD’S FAVORITE), Connie Nielsen (in THE GREAT RAID), Jeff Fahey (in CRASH POINT), and Christian Kane (in the Amazon series ALMOST PARADISE), among many others. 


A prolific writer as well as an actor, Joel has penned a dozen original librettos, all of which have been successfully produced, not just in his home country, but all over the world (and most of which he directed himself). These shows include BREAKUPS & BREAKDOWNS (music by Rony Fortich); AFTER EVER AFTER (story by Nicky Triviño, music by Jon Meer Vera Perez); GUADALUPE: THE MUSICAL (music by Ejay Yatco); and FAIRY TALE RESCUE (music by Reggie Tan and Onyl Torres), to name but a few. He’s also written more than a hundred short plays (many of which have been produced in NYC). His latest musical (created with composer Lucas Hal-Jones) is the two-person comedy A TALE OF TWO (based on A TALE OF TWO CITIES by Charles Dickens), which premiered in London in July 2024.

Liz Peterson - Producer

Liz Peterson is a dynamic documentary filmmaker and media professional based in St. Louis, Missouri who has led international production and operations with a global

perspective. 


While based in Vietnam, Liz managed all facets of business operations, partnerships, and marketing for the Best Ever Food Review Show, spearheading its expansion into one of the most successful and profitable food channels on YouTube.  


Under her strategic direction, the channel grew from a few hundred thousand followers to an audience of over 10 million, captivating viewers worldwide with immersive cultural and culinary experiences. Liz’s global production leadership took the show to diverse locations, highlighting local food and culture with authenticity and impact. 


Previously, she directed marketing and patient experience at The Eye Institute of West Florida, where her initiatives significantly enhanced patient engagement and satisfaction.  Her background also includes high-revenue sales and community relations with the St. Louis Cardinals. Liz’s dedication to storytelling, audience growth, and operational excellence make her a formidable force in documentary and digital media production.

Ron Watermon - Producer, Director & Writer

Ron Watermon is an Emmy-nominated screenwriter and TV producer. He is also an attorney, author, and the founder of STORYSMART® LLC, a story development film studio that helps clients transform their true stories into films. 


With a background that spans Major League Baseball, politics, and media, Ron brings a unique storytelling acumen to his film projects.  Ron served as VP of Communications for the St. Louis Cardinals, where he produced Cardinals Insider with Ozzie Smith, a weekly television series that brought the team’s legacy to life, and he created the pioneering serialized shows #TheFrontOffice and #BirdToTheFuture on Instagram. 


Ron’s production expertise ensures his projects deliver both cinematic quality and narrative depth.  From digital archiving to full-scale documentary filmmaking, Ron leads STORYSMART®’s comprehensive suite of services to empower clients in preserving and sharing their stories on screen.  


Learn more @ storysmart.net and ronwatermon.com

Carl Reed - Animation Producer

Carl Reed has built a career producing award-winning content.  


As the founder of Composition Media, Carl's mission is to amplify underrepresented voices and redefine storytelling through groundbreaking, inspiring projects.


Prior to founding Composition Media, Carl co-founded Lion Forge Comics and Lion Forge Animation, serving as president and Chief Creative Officer.  Under his leadership, the company grew from fledgling startup into the largest black-owned publisher and animation studio. 


His collaborations with industry giants like Disney, HBO MAX, Nickelodeon, and Sony Pictures Animation have resulted in numerous accolades, including the Academy Award-winning short film "Hair Love" and the Emmy-winning “Sesame Street: The Power of We" animated special, among many others.

Paul Schankman - Editor & Story Producer

Paul Schankman has been a working broadcast journalist in Missouri and Illinois for more than 40 years. His assignments have taken him across the country, covering Ronald Reagan’s 1981 Presidential Inauguration, the 1999 Super Bowl, multiple national political conventions and a launch of the Space Shuttle Columbia. Paul was also dispatched immediately to cover the Oklahoma City bombing and reported live from Ground Zero for several days following the 9/11 attack on the World Trade Center in New York City.


Paul has been honored with 35 Mid-America Emmy Awards for his work with KTVI-TV (FOX), KETC-TV (PBS) and HEC Media. In 2016, he was inducted by the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences into its Silver Circle; a recognition given to those deemed to have made significant contributions to broadcasting and media.


Paul is also a recipient of the coveted Edward R. Murrow Award from the Radio and Television News Directors Association, as well as honors and prizes from Dartmouth College, Lincoln University, and the International Radio and Television Festival. 


Paul’s work has also been recognized by the Greater St. Louis Association of Black Journalists, American Women in Radio and Television and The Associated Press.


Additionally, Paul was given the Southern Illinois University Alumni Achievement award and has been inducted into the Parkway Schools Hall of Fame. Paul left KTVI-TV in 2016 to launch Paul Schankman Productions, which specializes in producing news features and documentaries.


In 2019, his feature-length documentary, “A New Leaf; Reimagining Henry Shaw’s Museum” won best direction and best editing at the St. Louis Filmmakers Showcase. His

documentary, “House of Thunder,” was released in 2020.

Dave Rutherford - Cinematographer|DP

Dave is an accomplished cinematographer with more than three decades of experience in shooting films around the world.  


Dave has worked on dozens of feature films and documentaries, as well as working with all of the major television news agencies and media companies.


Dave is an entreprenuer who owns his own production company in St. Louis, often specializing in high-end steadicam photography and capturing cinematic drone footage for film and television productions. 


By supporting "Steak Guerrillas," you become part of a movement that honors Dr. Taca’s story and keeps alive the memory of those who fought for democracy in the Philippines. We are actively seeking funding and partnerships to complete this film, with goals to share it across film festivals, educational institutions, and community screenings for maximum impact.


Your tax deductible contribution through our Fiscal Sponsor St. Louis Filmworks will help bring this story of resilience and resistance to audiences worldwide, empowering future generations to continue the fight for freedom and justice.


“I am grateful to the St. Louis Regional Arts Commission, Continuity, and the city of St. Louis for their belief in this project.


This grant is not just financial support—it’s the reason this film is being made.


After five years of working alongside the Taca family to tell this extraordinary true story, we’re now able to bring it to life.


Thanks to this investment in local storytelling, a story rooted in St. Louis will soon reach a global audience.”


— Ron Watermon, Director

While the St. Louis Film grant provides essential support,  we continue seeking private support from donors to meet the ambitious timeline required by the grant while creating a film worthy of this story and the city that shaped it. 


Your private, tax-deductible donation helps ensure we bring this important film to life with the quality, reach, and depth it deserves.

Make A Tax-Deductible Donation Via Our Fiscal Sponsor St. Louis Filmworks