Ronaldo S. Vivo, Jr. and Ronnel S. Vivo’s film, Ashen River of Remembrance is set against the backdrop of the early years of Spanish colonization in the Philippines.
11 July 2019 LONDON--Nine Philippine films will screen in this year’s Queer Asia Film Festival at various locations in London from 17 June to 22 July 2019. These films will provide a glimpse of the life, culture, and challenges of the LGBTQI+ community in the Philippines and are aimed at contributing significantly to discussions on identity, inclusivity, and representation.
“Cinema is an illustration of the realities of the LGBT community. It becomes a visual conduit or a portal where people can immerse in our long struggles and aspirations as Filipinos,” said film maker Rhadem Morados, whose film, Lupa Sug (The Land of the Brave), will screen at the British Museum on 13 July. Morados is an openly gay Muslim whose advocacy centers promoting inclusivity, understanding, tolerance, and peace.
“Cinema is an important and influential medium in raising awareness and promoting understanding,” said Ambassador Antonio M. Lagdameo. “Philippine representation in one of London’s major film festivals is a testament not only of Philippine excellence in film but more importantly, in the ability of Filipino filmmakers to spark important conversations on some of today’s most pressing issues.”
The range of Philippine films that will be screened represent a wide spectrum of LGBTQI+ experiences in the country. Below is a complete list of films that will be screened during the film festival:
17 June 2019, 5pm – 7pm
A0.23, The Social Sciences Building, University of Warwick, CV4 7AL
A Letter To The Person I Have Met On Tinder
Dir. James Allen Fajardo
[Running time: 4.33]
The film is about the film maker’s experience in meeting a stranger he was matched with on Tinder. The film explores the idea of how we find love in this modern time.
13 July 2019, 10am – 5pm
Stevenson Lecture Theatre, The British Museum, WC1B 3DG
Ashen River of Remembrance
Dir. Ronaldo S. Vivo, Jr., Ronnel S. Vivo
[Running time: 15]
The Spanish colonization of the Philippines is in its infancy. Townsfolk believe Pinang has been possessed by an evil spirit. Pinang’s parents have unwavering faith that Father Vacion’s rituals will cure their daughter. Soleng, Pinang’s dear friend, thought otherwise.
My Name was January
Dir: Elina Gress, Lenee Son
[Running time: 25.45]
When a trans sister, January Marie Lapuz, is brutally murdered, a community reacts and her friends and other trans women of colour come to share and voice their issues, concerns, and challenges. This film brings justice to January and to the many trans women who have lost their lives. (CW:Trauma, violence)
The Land of the Brave
Dir. Rhadem Morados
Philippines
[Running time: 29:00]
Lupag Sug translates to ‘land of the brave’ in Tausug, a language used by a major ethnic group hailing from Mindanao, the southernmost island of the Philippines. This documentary narrates firsthand accounts of the struggle for safe space and acceptance.
Aren’t We Here For Each Other
Dir. Gilb Baldoza
Romance endures violence as a couple celebrates their anniversary against the backdrop of the crackdown on drugs.
Things I Would Say To My Mom If Only I Were Brave Enough
Dir. James Allen Fajardo
Filmmaker James Allen Fajardo recalls his childhood before his mother left him to work abroad, and all the things he wished he could have told her about his burgeoning sexuality.
14 July 2019, 10am – 5pm
Stevenson Lecture Theatre, The British Museum, WC1B 3DG
2015
Dir. Eluna Cepeda
[Running time: 14.00]
Unmoored from the chaos & prejudice of the outside world, we are left with a gentle, bittersweet snapshot of a loving couple savoring every moment together before an inevitable conclusion.
What I Would Have Told My Daughter If I Knew What To Say Back Then
Dir. Cha Roque
[Running time: 12:31]
This film features over 13 years of home video footage. The filmmaker deploys this private archive to engage in an imagined conversation with her daughter as a child, revealing a big secret about her identity.
The Boy Who Bleeds in the Middle of the Sea
Dir. James Allen Fajardo
[Running Time: 15.00]
Simon, a teenage boy, menstruates in the middle of fishing. Simultaneously, his father, Nestor, an activist leader in their community, organizes and mobilizes the fisherfolks to continue to fight for their community, which faces impending demolition.
Queer Asia is a London-based network and platform aimed at sparking collaborations and inspiring research on LGBTQI+ issues in Asia. The collective regularly brings together artists, academics, activists, and film-makers from various parts of Asia to discuss developments on LGBTQI+ rights and culture in the region.
Admission is free to the film festival. The public may book their tickets through https://filmfreeway.com/QueerAsia/tickets. END
Lupah Sug (The Land of the Brave) is a 2018 film by Rhadem Morados which provides a glimpse into the lives of the LGBTQI+ community in Muslim Mindanao.
What I Would Have Told My Daughter If I Knew What To Say Back Then, a film by Cha Roque, gathers more than 13 years of home video footage in order to create an imaginary conversation with her daughter about her identity.