This Pride Month, the Film Development Council of the Philippines presents PeliKULAYa, a special and liberating showcase of films on LGBTQIA+ experiences.
Pride Month is a celebration that goes beyond the recognition of diverse identities and expressions—it embodies the essence of freedom itself. In this empowering time, barriers are dismantled, and individuals are encouraged to proudly manifest their authentic, radiant selves, unfettered by the shackles of societal expectations and prejudices.
It is a period when people can unapologetically display their authentic colors to the world, basking in the liberating glow of self-acceptance. PeliKULAYa, the LGBTQIA+ film showcase organized by the Film Development Council of the Philippines, encapsulates this spirit of freedom through its vibrant lineup of local and international queer films, offering a kaleidoscope of narratives that reflect and celebrate the beautiful tapestry of queer experiences.
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EMANCIPATORY STORIES
With the theme, “Mga Kuwentong Mapagpalaya,” the Film Development Council of the Philippines presents PeliKULAYa, a special showcase of carefully curated films that offer a dazzling array of narratives of love and self-discovery, delving into the diverse realities of the LGBTQIA+ community.
Just in time for Pride Month, PeliKULAYa not only puts the spotlight on the colorful community but also furthers the cause of promoting “inclusivity, diversity, and safe spaces” for everyone to embrace their true selves freely. “This event [PeliKULAYa] aims to raise awareness on LGBTQIA+ issues,” explains FDCP Chairman and CEO Tirso Cruz III.
“We believe that by using the power of film, we can do our part in showcasing films that celebrate LGBTQIA+ stories. Hoping to create understanding of the lives, perspectives & advocacies shown in each film.”
THE LINEUP
PeliKULAYa offers special programming with a selection of over 20 feature and short films that will screen in Cinematheque Centres in Manila, Davao, Iloilo, Nabunturan, and Negros and in select cinemas in Metro Manila including Cinema ‘76 and UP Film Institute’s Cine Adarna/Videotheque. Some of the titles will also be available on demand via JuanFlix.
The showcase will run from June 23 to June 30, 2023. And kicking off this celebration is a special screening of the digitally restored and remastered version of the beloved Wong Kar Wai romantic classic, Happy Together, which will be held on June 23 in Shangri-La Plaza.
Also screening in PeliKULAYa is Manila By Night, which is considered to be one of the masterpieces of the National Artist for Film, Ishmael Bernal. Hailed as an iconic classic that probes the intricately gritty world of the capital city, Manila By Night will screen for free on June 26, 6:30PM at the FDCP Cinematheque Centres nationwide.
Also screening for free are international queer films co-presented by the Embassies of Ireland and Canada. David Freyne’s Irish rom-com Dating Amber will screen on June 27 in all of FDCP Cinematheque Centers while you can catch the Canadian doc Love, Scott and the animated short I Like Girls on June 28 and June 30 at the Cinematheque Centres in Manila, Iloilo, and Negros only.
Excited about the various cinematic experiences PeliKULAYa has to offer? Well, don’t worry because we got you. Below is the full selection of films for your reference so that you can mark those calendars now.
Screenings at the Cinematheque Centres Nationwide:
- Billie and Emma (Samantha Lee)
- Dating Amber (David Freyne; FREE SCREENING)
- Girl (Lukas Dhont)
- Happy Together (Wong Kar Wai)
- Love, Scott (Laura Marie Wayne; FREE SCREENING)
- Mamu, and a Mother Too (Rod Singh)
- Manila By Night (Ishmael Bernal; free screening)
- Metamorphosis (J.E. Tiglao)
- Portrait of a Lady on Fire (Celine Sciamma)
- The Boy Foretold by the Stars (Dolly Dulu)
- Women Do Cry (Vesela Kazako and Mina Mileva)
Short Films at the Cinematheque Centres Nationwide (Free Screening)
- Alingasngas ng mga Kuliglig (Vahn Leinard Pascual)
- Dikit (Gabriela Serrano)
- Gulis (Kyle Jumayne Francisco)
- I Like Girls (Diane Obomsawin)
- Love in the Ungodly Hour (Bradley Jason Pantajo)
- Nang Maglublog ako sa Isang Mangkok ng Liwanag (Kukay Zinampan)
- Noontime Drama (Kim Timan and Sam Villa-Real)
Online Streaming via JuanFlix:
- How to Die Young in Manila (Petersen Vargas)
- Mamu, and a Mother Too (Rod Singh)
- Metamorphosis (J.E. Tiglao)
- Nang Maglublob ako sa Isang Mangkok ng Liwanag (Kukay Zinampan)
- Portrait of a Lady on Fire (Celine Sciamma; PAY-PER-VIEW)
- Rome and Juliet (Connie Macatuno)
- Sila-Sila (Giancarlo Abrahan)
- This is Not A Coming Out Story (Mark Felix Ebreo)
- Women Do Cry (Vesela Kazako and Mina Mileva; PAY-PER-VIEW)
TICKET PRICES
PeliKULAYa offers a range of ticket prices, varying from PHP100 to PHP200, depending on the chosen film. Moreover, certain titles will be available for streaming on JuanFlix beginning June 30, accessible through a subscription that starts at just PHP99 per month.
For patrons in Manila eager to experience the magic of PeliKULAYa at the FDCP Cinematheque Centre, ticket purchases can be made through this link. Meanwhile, regional audiences have the convenience of walking in to their nearest Cinematheque Centre for a seamless movie-watching experience.
PeliKULAYa 2023 is proudly presented by the FDCP, JuanFlix, and Cinematheque Centres, with invaluable support from Shangri-La Red Carpet, Cinema ’76, UP Film Institute, the US Embassy in the Philippines, the Royal Thai Embassy Manila, the Embassy of Ireland in the Philippines, the Embassy of Mexico in the Philippines, and the Embassy of Canada to the Philippines. Stay tuned for the latest updates on PeliKULAYa by following their official accounts on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Continue Reading: 4 Ways You Can Make The Most Out Of Pride Month
