MOVIES have always played a part in our lives, making it seem as if the storylines were connected to our souls.
This is especially true when the film’s narrative is something that we can all relate to, as if we are seeing our lives being played out on the movie screen.
The month of June constitutes the month of Pride on where we celebrate and recognize the LGBTQIA+ community as we promote awareness and equality.
Aside from spreading love and equality, Pride Month also tackles the decades-long struggles of the community as they fit in with society.
Through the month of Pride Month, this is the perfect time to learn about the history and struggles that the queer community have been through, thus here are some films to watch to further recognize the community.
T-Bird at Ako (1982)
Starring Nora Aunor and Vilma Santos, the story follows two women named Sylvia and Sabel. Sylvia is a lawyer who excels in her field while Sable is a dancer that’s been wrongfully accused of homicide after defening herself from a guy who tried to rape her.
Having been brought together by the incident, Sylvia finds it difficult to keep up a professional connection while trying to control her developing feelings for Sabel.
Markova: The Comfort Gay (2000)
Walter “Walterina” Dempster Jr., the last surviving Filipino comfort gay during the Japanese occupation of the Philippines during World War II, is the subject of this film.
Walterina, who remembers his early years spent with five other friends, being forced to work as laborers and being sexually assaulted by Japanese soldiers.
The full movie can be watched on YouTube, uploaded by CineMo.
Ang Pagdadalaga ni Maximo Oliveros (2005)
Coming-of-age movie film “Ang Pagdadalaga ni Maximo Oliveros,” depicts a theme of challenging a stereotypical representation of the queer community in the Philippines during the early 2000s.
Despite his family’s involvement in small-time criminal activity, Maxi (Nathan Lopez) tries to live an innocent life with his family in the slums of Manila.
However, after being sexually assaulted one night and being rescued by Victor (JR Valentin), a young, new police officer in town, on whom he falls in love, his life begins to change. Maxi is caught between his duty to his family and his feelings for the police officer, as his feelings for Victor deepen.