Pride Month in the Philippines has always been a celebration, making it not just a platform for advocacy, but also an avenue to tell the vibrant stories of the LGBTQIA+ community through various gatherings, works of art, activities, discussions, and other ways of expression.
In order to acknowledge that every person has a story worth sharing, the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) has organized PELIKULAYA: Mga Kuwentong Mapagpalaya Film Festival, which aims to promote LGBTQIA+ voices through film screenings all over the country.
The FDCP is the national agency responsible for the growth of the Philippine film industry, and is known for its support of the LGBTQIA+ community. Since 2021, the agency has been organizing the PELIKULAYA Film Festival, along with other events such as panel discussions that support diversity and inclusion in local communities. This year, the PELIKULAYA Film Festival will feature classic and contemporary LGBTQIA+ Filipino films to continue shining a light on every color of the rainbow.
The event highlights movies and short films that tell stories of self-discovery, resilience, discrimination, struggles and triumphs of queer characters. Some films included in the lineup are Facifica Falayfay (1969) by Luciano Carlos, Huling Palabas (2023) by Ryan Machado, Ang Sayaw ng Dalawang Kaliwang Paa (2011) by Alvin Yapan, Kasal (2014) by Jay Altarejos, Divine Factory (2022) by Joseph Mangat, Ang Tatay Kong Nanay (1978) by Lino Brocka, Oliver (1983) by Nick Deocampo, Close (2022) by Lukas Dhont, Kaming Mga Talyada (1962) by Tony Cayado, Monster (2023) by Kore-eda, Gameboys: The Movie (2021) by Ivan Payawal, and Becky and Badette (2023) and About Us But Not About Us (2023) by Jun Lana.
The festival will also screen short films produced by local student filmmakers, including Astri and Tambulah by Xeph Suarez, The River that Never Ends by JT Trinidad, I Get So Sad Sometimes by Trishtan Perez, Abutan Man Tayo ng Houselights by Apa Agbayani, A Catholic Schoolgirl by Myra Soriaso, Congratulations, Dx! by Mark Felix Ebreo, and Crush by Louisse Carlo Ledonio.
With all these queer-themed movies, FDCP has really made sure that we have a lot to choose from. But despite the diverse story angles, these movies have one single message: love knows no color or gender.
FDCP had also made the film screenings available in different locations in the Philippines, including Manila, Davao, Nabunturan, Negros, and Iloilo. And for those who will not be able to visit the cinemas, FDCP has also made sure that you can still be part of the festival, as they also have online screenings of the movies on JuanFlix.
The PELIKULAYA: Mga Kuwentong Mapagpalaya Film Festival is ongoing until June 30, but our fight for anti-discrimination continues. For more information on screening schedules and locations, visit the FDCP Facebook and Instagram pages.
Which one of these films are you excited to watch? Let us know in the comments!