FDCP celebrates Pride month with PelikuLAYA: LGBTQIA+ Film Festival

In celebration of Pride month, the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) launched the second edition of PelikuLAYA, an LGBTQIA+ Film Festival. 

“[It] is our way to express our continued support for gender equality and inclusivity by creating platforms to bring to light the struggles, celebrate the achievements, and champion the causes of the LGBTQIA+ community,” said FDCP Chairperson and CEO Liza Diño.

The whole festival will run through June 4 to June 30 via FDCPChannel.ph website, FDCP Channel’s Facebook Page and FDCP Channel’s YouTube account. 

Movie line-up

Beginning Friday, June 4, 23 subscription films will be available on the FDCP’s website until June 30. 

For P99, viewers can watch the seven PelikuLAYA titles: Masahista by Brillante Mendoza, I Love You, Thank You by Charliebebs Gohetia, Mga Gabing Kasing Haba ng Hair Ko by Gerardo Calagui, Miss Bulalacao by Ara Chawdhury, Ang Huling Cha-Cha ni Anita by Sigrid Andrea P. Bernardo, Ned’s Project by Lem Lorca, and Best. Partee. Ever by HF Yambao. 

French film Portrait of a Lady on Fire by Céline Sciamma will also have its online Philippine premiere through the festival. The 2019 Cannes Awardee for the Queer Palm Prize and Best Screenplay stars Adèle Haenel and Noémie Merlant. 

It will be available for rental for PHP 220 with a 7-day access that expires 48 hours after the first play. 

Four films will be available for free throughout the festival: Budjang by Rhadem Morados, A by Rod Modina, Alex & Aki by Dexter Paul de Jesus, and Doon sa Isang Sulok by Yong Tapang Jr. 

Additionally, one-time free screenings will be held for Lihis by Joel Lamangan for the opening program and T-Bird at Ako by Danny Zialcita for the closing program.

Panel discussions

Aside from the film screenings, PelikuLAYA will also conduct panel discussions and other special events throughout the festival. 

From June 12 to 27, there will be four film talks available across FDCP platforms: 

• “My Coming Out Story” will feature inspiring coming out experiences and the different takes on freedom. Phi Ramos will moderate the discussion with Kim Timan, Rod Singh, Fifth Solomon, Zar Donato, and Miguel Odron as guests. 

• “In His/Her/Their Shoes'” will tackle the representation of LGBTQIA+ characters on on-screen projects and how these “real and reel themes” relate to the members of the community. Guest speakers will include Anthony Falcon, Angeli Bayani, Adrian Lindayag, and EJ Jallorina, with Jade Castro as the moderator. 

• “P’wedding Pwede Na Ba?” will discuss the SOGIE Equality Bill and open conversation about same-sex union. John Lapus is the moderator with Liza Diño, Ice Seguerra, Andoy Ranay, Noel Escondo, and Perci Intalan as guests. 

• “To Love Some Buddies” will speak on the importance of significant support systems in the lives of LGBTQIA+ members. Mela Habijan will moderate the discussion with Francis Dacanay, Pat Bringas, Ronn Astillas, Chase Tolentino, and Mikee Inton-Campbell as speakers. 

On June 19, a replay of two panel discussions from Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino (PPP) Film Talks will be streamed for free:

• “Depiction of LGBT Characters and Queer Cinema History” is about developing and empowering LGBTQIA+ characters on film by members of the audiovisual industry. 
• “Philippine Queer Cinema Lecture” is a special lecture by Nick Deocampo that explores the history and evolution of Queer representation in Philippine Cinema. 

Other events include a “Yo, Gay!” drag yoga session is scheduled on June 20. Participants can get a chance to win special prizes for best dressed with gift cards and vouchers worth up to PHP 1,500 and FDCP Channel merchandise.

A musical performance and fashion show featuring members of the LGBTQIA+ community will also happen during the festival’s closing program on June 30. – Rappler.com