Colin Whitman’s Diminishing Returns Screens at St. Barnabas

On February 8, St. Barnabas Episcopal Church hosted a  community screening of Diminishing Returns, followed by a question-and-answer discussion with the film’s director, Colin Whitman.

While screening submissions for the Borrego Springs Film Festival, Jan Naragon encountered Diminishing Returns and arranged a local screening. The film later appeared in the festival in January, and director Colin Whitman returned to Borrego Springs on February 8 for a screening and Q&A at St. Barnabas Episcopal Church.

A Short Film With a Powerful Story

Diminishing Returns is a 15-minute documentary that follows Ernesto, an immigrant living in Los Angeles who collects recyclable bottles and cans to help pay for his daughter’s chemotherapy treatments in the Philippines. The film focuses on a single day in Ernesto’s life.

Whitman explained during the discussion that the project began with no clear plan for a finished film.

“I wanted something that would be self-contained and small,” he said. “I didn’t know it would turn into this.”

The film was shot over approximately six hours, with Whitman following Ernesto as he moved through the city collecting recyclables.

“This is literally one day of footage,” Whitman said. “We didn’t know where he was going to go, so we just followed him.”

A Call From Mom

The discussion included an unexpected moment when Whitman answered a call from his mother, which the audience received with visible appreciation.

From Observation to Advocacy

During the Q&A, Whitman described how a chance encounter developed into a long-term relationship. Over time, he became Ernesto’s emergency contact and advocate, helping navigate medical care, housing, and paperwork.

“Our lives became intertwined in a way I didn’t expect,” Whitman said. “That’s both positive and complicated.”

Whitman shared an update on Ernesto’s current condition, explaining that he is now 77 years old and has experienced multiple heart attacks.

“He collapsed on a bus and ended up in intensive care,” Whitman said. “That’s when we realized how fragile everything was.”

A Story That Reflects a Larger Reality

Audience questions expanded the conversation beyond the film itself. Whitman noted that Ernesto’s experience is not unusual and reflects the reality of many families supporting loved ones across borders.

“About ten percent of the Philippines’ GDP comes from remittances,” he said. “That’s roughly $38 billion a year sent back home.”

He added that nearly all of Ernesto’s income is sent immediately to support his daughter’s medical care.

“Everything he makes goes straight to her,” Whitman said. “As it would for any parent.”

Seeing the People Around Us

Audience members reflected on how the film changed the way they view people they pass every day. One participant commented on how easily stories like Ernesto’s go unnoticed.

Whitman agreed, emphasizing that the film’s purpose was not to provide answers, but to invite attention.

“Everybody has a story,” he said. “It starts with slowing down, asking questions, and really seeing the person in front of you.”

A Shared Space for Reflection

The screening provided space for community conversation following the film. The event concluded with informal discussion and light refreshments.