By: Allain Dumon Fonte
Pride-themed movies are starting to invade the film industry as people become more accepting and are more intrigued on the stories about LGBTIQ. Many have shared the intensity of emotions and laughed with the craziest jokes on gay-themed movies. In the Philippines, these kinds of movies were questioned as to their morality and their message to the society. The strong influence of the country’s religious standards had branded gay-themed movies as sex-oriented and nothing more. Yet, with Thailand’s more tolerant culture, Thai BL (Boy’s Love) movies and television series have created a new perception to the viewers; and that is gay-themed movies are remarkably alike to all other movies – there is romance, comedy, drama, and the continuing struggle of living like normal people. Hence, Thai BL TV series have a massive following all over Asia. At the end of 2019, they became available in Netflix and are being watched by millions of viewers all over the world.
ZEE’s Allain Fonte with the casts of the top-rating Thai BL series (2019) “Cause You’re My Boy” of GMMTV (from L-R) Amp Phurikulkrit Chusakdiskulwibul, AJ Chayapol Jutamas, Neo Trai Nimtawat, Frank Thanatsaran Samthonglai, ADF, Drake Laedeke, Phuwin Tangsakyuen, and JJ Chayakorn Jutamas.
The Philippine film industry is not that far from Thailand’s. Some of the LGBTIQ-themed movies and television series are slowly getting a following in Asia and are now accessible to viewers worldwide. A few of these pride-themed movies that casted or directed by a Filipino have already been receiving nominations and awards from Golden Globe, The Berlin Film Festival, the Venezia Film Awards, and even the Emmy’s…and the Filipinos in these films hail their roots from Cebu!
1. Lingua Franca
Lingua Franca is a film directed by a Cebuana, Isabel Sandoval. Sandoval also plays the main character of the movie, and she even wrote the screenplay. Lingua Franca tells the story of Olivia, an undocumented transgender woman in New York who works as a caregiver to a senile old-lady of Russian-decent. When Olivia is challenged to attain legal status in the US, she is left with a “marriage-based green card”. While in search for her groom-to-be, she becomes romantically involved with Alex, Olga’s grandson.
The film is now available on Netflix and has received positive reviews from the media. Stephen Dalton of the Hollywood Reporter wrote Lingua Franca is a “heartfelt personal statement rooted in timely, gripping issues that obviously resonate deeply with its author, notably trans rights and Trump-era immigration anxieties”.
Isabel Sandoval wearing Marchesa at the Venezia Red Carpet in the Venice Film Festival (2019)
Isabel Sandoval graduated summa cum laude with the degree in psychology from the University of San Carlos in Cebu, Philippines. In New York, she pursued graduate studies in Film at NYU. She is now currently residing in NYC, and already has award-winning films under her belt like Apparition, Lingua Franca, Senorita, Ritwal, The Unstoppable, and Judgement.
2. The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story
This television series was aired in Netflix and has gained so much popularity because it showed the murder of world-renowned fashion designer, Gianni Versace, by a serial killer, Andrew Cunanan. Based on Maureen Orth’s book Vulgar Favors: Andrew Cunanan, Gianni Versace, and the Largest Failed Manhunt in U.S. History, this television series has 9 episodes of suspenseful scenes, and is star-studded with casts like Ricky Martin and Penelope Cruz. However, the main actor who played Andrew Cunanan is Darren Criss who gained his popularity after being a regular on the top rating TV show, Glee. Darren Criss hails his roots from Cebu, Philippines.
The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story received positive reviews from critics. At the 70th Primetime Emmy Awards, it received 9 nominations, and won 3 awards, including Outstanding Limited Series and Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series or Movie for Darren Criss.
Darren Criss with his dad (left) Charles William Criss, and his mother (right) Cerina Criss. Source
Criss was born and raised in San Francisco, California, USA. Criss was raised as a Roman Catholic and attended roman catholic schools. He later moved to Michigan where he studied Bachelor of Fine Arts major in Theatre Performance and minor in music at the University of Michigan. Criss’s father, Charles William Criss, is a banker and served as CEO of the East West bank in Honolulu, Hawaii. Criss’s mom, Cerina, is a native of Talisay, Cebu, Philippines. When he was younger, he visited Cebu a couple of times with his mother. Darren Criss is very proud of his Cebuano roots and wants to portray Filipino characters in films and in theatres to promote visibility of the Filipinos in the American films.
3. The Amazing Truth About Queen Raquela
The Amazing Truth About Queen Raquela premiered at the 2008 Berlin International Film Festival where it grabbed the Teddy Award for Best Feature Film. It was also awarded the Grand Jury Prize in the 10th 2008 Cinemanila International Film Festival at Malacañang Palace’s Kalayaan Hall. It starred Raquela Rios also known as Minerva to her Cebuano friends. Raquela is a local of Mandaue City, Cebu, Philippines. The film is directed by Icelandic film director, scriptwriter, and producer, Olaf de Fleur Johannesson.
Raquella Rios in Bangkok’s MRT (a scene in a Thai film).
Raquella Rios is a native of Mandaue City, Cebu, Philippines, and she went to the University of San Carlos in Cebu, studying sociology and anthropology. Before finishing her studies, Raquella left the Cebu and went to Iceland after being casted by Icelandic film director, scriptwriter, and producer, Olaf de Fleur Johannesson for the movie The Amazing Truth About Queen Raquela. She is now based in Bangkok, Thailand as a fashion stylist and wardrobe assistant to some local Thai movies. Raquella is also an activist for sex workers rights and trans rights in Southeast Asia; pushing for the recognition on the choice of their gender and the right to change their birth names.
Raquella (right) with film director Olaf de Fleur (left) receives the Best Feature Film Award at the 2008 Berlin International Film Festival in Germany. Photo grabbed from Berlinale archives.
There are still plenty of pride-themed films in the Philippines that gained recognition all over the world; yet these movies mentioned are special because of the talented Cebuanos that have brought Cebu to world. They truly are #CebuPride.
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Cooking With Paris
Now available on Netflix: August 4
It’s a Paris Hilton cooking show. That should be enough to get you interested. But if it isn’t, Paris is also being joined by a host of celebrity guests, including Demi Lovato, Lele Pons, and most exciting of all, Kim Kardashian. Who wouldn’t want to see that reunion?
The Kissing Booth 3
Coming to Netflix: August 11
What started out as a simple story on Wattpad has become one of Netflix’s biggest YA film franchises to date. Fans of the series should be excited for the third film set to wrap up the series.
Monster Hunter: Legends of the Guild
Coming to Netflix: August 12
Based on the Monster Hunter video game franchise, the anime film follows a young hunter named Aiden as he fights to save his village from destruction by a dragon. For fans of the video game franchise, fantasy lovers, and anime fans, this film is sure to be a delightful treat.
Beckett
Coming to Netflix: August 13
John David Washington stars in this thriller film about an American tourist who goes on the run in Greece after a tragic accident plunges him into a political conspiracy that makes him a target for assassination.
by:
Joey Rambles
Writer, Graphic and Web Designer.
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From the film, “Kita Kita”
The Filipino movie is worth dying to watch for and the future is bright for Philippine cinema! The Philippine movie industry has proved itself to be a promising feat, especially with the rise of new and talented filmmakers.
With the likes of Antoinette Jadaone (That Thing Called Tadhana and Love You To the Stars and Back) and Sigrid Bernardo (Kita Kita), these filmmakers have created themselves players of a “new game” in the Philippine movie industry, experimenting with uncommon storylines and techniques, and screening them to public theaters in areas where masses usually gather.
Although the much-loved rom-com is still a popular genre, several Filipino movies involving action and thrill proved it could create stimuli among the perceptive Filipino audience.
From the movie, “That Thing Callled Tadhana”
Since June is the month to wave the Philippine flag with honor, what better way to complete this month-long celebration than to add these to-die-for flicks that will make your #ProudlyPinoy heart skip a beat? So treat yourself to a break, invite some company and pop in these movies that will no doubt give you a great time.
Going on a movie marathon by yourself or with friends and family is not only a fun way to bond, but also a way to support locally produced films and to truly appreciate the Filipino mind.
We listed down some movies recommended by family and friends. Some films on this list may be something you may have watched already (Tick them off to your list, then!) So pop that corn, get a large drink and sit down because these movies are going to blow your mind, while simultaneously poking that proud Filipino heart of yours.
100 Tula Para kay Stella
Directed by Paul Laxamana
100 poems = 100 reasons why the stuttering boy loves the girl in the black lipstick.
Psychology freshman and poet, Fidel, meets and falls in love with fellow freshman Stella, a rocker who prefers her band than her studies. Having difficulty to express his affection due to his stuttering, Fidel secretly writes her 100 poems in a fleeting course of four years.
Meanwhile, Stella goes through a rough patch in her life. The only thing she wants to achieve in her life is to score a record label and be the most famous rock star in the country. Along the way, she struggles to find love and her true self, oblivious to the fact that one person has set his heart for her.
This heart-wrenching film is one unforgettable story. And since everyone loves a heart-breaking story, it’s no wonder that this was the most suggested one of the bunch. The film depicts love in its most sincerest and silent forms, and how it could turn things around in the most unexpected ways.
Heneral Luna
Directed by Jerold Tarog
The ultimate decision between self and country.
The year is 1898, and the Philippines has just been declared independent from the Spanish colony. Yet, a new problem arises our revolutionary leaders– the Americans. General Antonio Luna, with his great love of country than of himself, fights tremendously to save the Philippines from yet another foreign colonizer, and sees beyond the Americans’ sweet advances that entices his fellow leaders.
Heneral Luna takes us way beyond what we’ve learned from our History classes. It’s one of the most brilliant historical films produced in the Philippines. If you have seen this film, then you must agree on me on that note. If you haven’t, then I’ve got three words for you: Watch. It. Now.
That Thing Called Tadhana
Directed by Antoinette Jadaone
Where do broken hearts go? It takes you where you were meant to be.
Anthony and Mace meet at a rather unpleasant situation; Mace cries over which of her belongings to let go while relating everything to her recent breakup, while Anthony finds himself lending a hand to the poor lady at the airport in Rome. Upon arriving in the Philippines, they go on an unexpected journey to find a way to mend their broken hearts
On their journey, they help each other forget their own disappointment and heartbreaks in recent and previous events, while developing a closeness that deepens as they get to know each other more.
With its quirky statements and cheesy “hugot” lines, That Thing Called Tadhana will make you believe in love again. The film stirs from the usual Filipino love story format seen in commercial films with its simplicity and realistic vibes, the reason why audiences were captivated by this unlikely story. It catapulted to the success and recognition of Jadaone as a fierce and upcoming director of Philippine cinema.
Love You to the Stars and Back
Directed by Antoinette Jadaone
Their love goes where the road takes them; part of it involves getting captured by aliens.
Mika, an eccentric and awkward girl, set out for a road trip after feeling out of place at home. She decides to go to Mt. Milagros, a place her mother used to talk to her about, to get captured by aliens. Along the way, she accidentally meets Caloy, a good-humored boy and decides to give him a free ride until he reaches his destination.
Mika is surprised when she learns that Caloy has cancer. Despite his condition, he accepts this and remains positive and joyful. They both embark on a series of adventures and misadventures that unexpectedly leads them to a memorable romance even at such a young age. They eventually arrive at their destination, learning an important lesson on love and life.
This movie is another setback for Barreto and Garcia, this being their second movie as a tandem. They have really spiced up audiences with their charm and chemistry, even with the simplicity of the storyline. Jadaone has yet again turned herself away from the usual rom-com and delivered.
Patay Na Si Hesus
Directed by Victor Villanueva
This is not a road trip movie; this is a funeral.
Iyay informs her three adult kids that their estranged father, Hesus, has passed away. Despite the reluctance of her children, she pushes them and her sister Lucy to join her on a road trip from Cebu to Dumaguete to attend the funeral
This Cebuano dark comedy was one of the crowd favorites during last year’s Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino film festival. Jaclyn Jose, having won the Best Actress award at the 2016 Cannes Film festival, takes a different take from her usual dramatic roles. In this film she proves that she can also do the comedic role. So put on your seatbelts, and take the dreary but funny road to Hesus’ funeral.
Kita Kita
Director- Sigrid Bernardo
A heartwarming story of an unlikely couple who meets and proves to themselves that love is not blind.
Lea, a Filipina tourist guide who lives in Sapporo, Japan loses her eyesight after seeing her fiancé cheating on her. As she lives her life in temporary blindness, she encounters Tonyo, her neighbor who is also Filipino. Tonyo tries to cheer Lea up by doing her a few favors. Once he gained her trust, the both of them visit Sapporo’s tourist destinations.
On the night that Lea finally regains her eyesight, she sees Tonyo happily waving at her from the other end of the street, but he gets hit by a vehicle afterwards. Days after, Lea visits Tonyo’s house and discovers a lot more about Tonyo. Later on, she revisits all the places she and Tonyo used to go, carrying with her always a blindfold.
With this unlikely duo, this movie shows you that love is truly unconditional. It knows know condition or circumstances; it is as it is. Be prepared, though, because tears may also be involved when watching this film.
Ang Larawan
Directed by Loy Arcenas
A high-price bidding war of an unlikely masterpiece. In song form!
A throwback to the American colonization of the Philippines, this movie was based on a play titled Larawan by national artist Nick Joaquin. The film circles around two sisters, Candidad and Paula Marasigan, who find themselves in a financial crisis after their father, Don Lorenzo was caught in a recluse and has stopped painting for a long time now. To get some money, they take in a boarder named Tony Javier.
Meanwhile, a self-portrait made by Don Lorenzo sparks the interest of many high-profile personalities. Although the bid price could help them ease their way out of their financial problems, Candidad and Paula fear that they will lose such a precious treasure from their family. From there on, the two sisters shall choose between family and stability.
This is a perfect film to watch with your family, especially that the story surrounds one as well. Aside from that, it also gives a clear picture of the lifestyle of that time, when materialism and consumerism were on the rise. With an original score composed by the iconic Ryan Cayabyab, this Filipino musical will surely captivate you.
]]>The fact is, to complain about the movie’s plot could be a sign you’ve missed The Greatest Showman‘s point altogether. As PT Barnum allegedly said, “The noblest art is that of making others happy.” Judging by the smiles my fellow moviegoers had leaving the cinema, I think the film might have hit the mark.
In an age where everybody’s a critic, often the movies that get praise are the “serious” ones. The ones that are stark social commentaries, or paint bleak pictures of reality, or preaches serious platitudes. Don’t get me wrong, I love a good art film and complex themes. But remember a time when you watched movies because they were fun? When you loved a film just because it made you happy?
That’s exactly the kind of movie The Greatest Showman is. From the beginning, it’s clear that this movie was made to entertain. The scenes are practically visual candy, with bright colors that set the circus scenes apart from the rest of the setting. The songs are catchy radio anthems (penned by La La Land and Dear Evan Hansen duo Benj Pasek and Justin Paul). The performance numbers are captivating–special mention has to go for the incredibly choreographed and shot The Other Side scene with Hugh Jackman and Zac Efron. The overarching theme of the movie is to follow your dreams, and really who can resist a message as earnest as that?
There’s no need to dissect the philosophy behind The Greatest Showman–it’s there to, quite simply, give us a great show. It’s the perfect way to escape the sometimes depressing reality of post-2017 society. It’s something we can go back to over and over again (by singing along to This Is Me in our cars) to feel, at least momentarily, happy.
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Album art for Sam Smith’s Writing’s On The Wall, the theme song for the upcoming James Bond film SPECTRE (PRNewsFoto/Sony Pictures Entertainment)
Multi-platinum selling artist Sam Smith has co-written the title song, Writing’s On The Wall with fellow GRAMMY® Award winner Jimmy Napes. It is the first James Bond theme song recorded by a British male solo artist since 1965.
Commenting on the announcement, Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli , the producers of SPECTRE , said, “Sam and Jimmy have written the most inspirational song for SPECTRE and with Sam’s extraordinary vocal performance, Writing’s On The Wall will surely be considered one of the greatest Bond songs of all time.”
Smith said, “This is one of the highlights of my career. I am honoured to finally announce that I will be singing the next Bond theme song. I am so excited to be a part of this iconic British legacy and join an incredible line up of some of my biggest musical inspirations. I hope you all enjoy the song as much as I enjoyed making it.”
The 23 previous James Bond theme songs make up some of the most memorable movie music of all time. The previous Bond theme song, Skyfall was performed by Adele, and was honored with the Academy Award® and Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song, the Brit Award for British Single of the Year, and the Grammy Award for Best Song Written for Visual Media.
ABOUT SPECTRE
A cryptic message from the past sends James Bond (Daniel Craig) on a rogue mission to Mexico City and eventually Rome, where he meets Lucia Sciarra (Monica Bellucci), the beautiful and forbidden widow of an infamous criminal. Bond infiltrates a secret meeting and uncovers the existence of the sinister organisation known as SPECTRE.
Meanwhile back in London, Max Denbigh (Andrew Scott), the new head of the Centre for National Security, questions Bond’s actions and challenges the relevance of MI6, led by M (Ralph Fiennes). Bond covertly enlists Moneypenny (Naomie Harris) and Q (Ben Whishaw) to help him seek out Madeleine Swann (Lea Seydoux), the daughter of his old nemesis Mr White (Jesper Christensen), who may hold the clue to untangling the web of SPECTRE. As the daughter of an assassin, she understands Bond in a way most others cannot.
As Bond ventures towards the heart of SPECTRE, he learns of a chilling connection between himself and the enemy he seeks, played by Christoph Waltz.
Sam Mendes returns to direct SPECTRE, with Daniel Craig reprising his role as 007 for the fourth time. SPECTRE is produced by Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli. The screenplay is by John Logan and Neal Purvis & Robert Wadeand Jez Butterworth, with a story by John Logan and Neal Purvis & Robert Wade.
SPECTRE is set for release in the UK on October 26, 2015, and in the US on November 6, 2015 .
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