13 films that refuse to stay silent: ALT-R Heroes 2025 sparks discourse

"Cinema is a weapon against forgetting. At a time of social erasure and spectacle, we remain committed to telling stories rooted in truth and transformation," shared veteran indie filmmaker Jay Altarejos, explaining the powerful theme behind the second edition of ALT-R Heroes 2025: "From LGBT Rights to Human Rights."

Organized by 2076 Kolektib and presented by GagaOOLala, the festival recently kicked off with a special launch event showcasing 13 impactful short films. These films are designed to confront urgent social realities head-on, aiming to challenge, provoke, and explore deep human experiences.

The selected stories offer a rare glimpse into the lives of communities often marginalized or silenced, portraying human experiences frequently hidden away due to fear of discrimination or misunderstanding. This becomes even more critical as the 20th Congress prepares to convene, with essential legislative efforts concerning human rights – including protections for SOGIESC, ancestral land rights for Indigenous Peoples, press freedom, and the right to protest – still lacking significant progress.

Despite this backdrop, a new wave of young filmmakers from across the Philippines are tackling these crucial issues through their work, bringing fresh and diverse perspectives to the screen. Their films navigate complex themes from identity and memory to confronting injustice and defying convention.

Among the featured films are *Sama Bella* by Pia Duran, exploring what it means to become a trans woman within the Sama-Bajau community; *Al-Owlah* by Khert Gabayeron, which delves into life as a Muslim in Manila; and Edsel Gasmen's *Tumbang Press(o)*, about facing an unjust system from within. Other narratives touch on high school romance (*Ang Halikan sa Water Fountain*), pandemic isolation (*Quarantined Feelings*), ancestral rituals (*Katalonan*), and the quiet struggles of being queer and intersex (*Ode to Lavender*). Films like *Malisbong 50*, *Phulera Poshak Porena (Defy)*, *Prom Queer*, *Mik-ap*, and *Last Night na ni Bading* examine themes of womanhood, loss, and the bravery needed to challenge societal norms, particularly within the queer context.

During the launch event held at Sine Pop in Quezon City, attendees engaged in meaningful talkback sessions with the directors. These discussions provided a space for shared personal insights and reflection on the challenges of addressing difficult subjects through cinema, highlighting the intertwined nature of the fight for LGBTQIA+ rights and broader human rights.

Director Clyde Cuizon Gamale, who helmed *Ang Halikan sa Water Fountain*, shared how filmmaking served as a cathartic process for him, especially coming from an all-boys maritime school environment where discussing his identity was challenging. He noted that rooting his story in genuine personal experience helped him connect with his crew and effectively convey his message.

Pia Duran spoke about her experience creating *Sama Bella*, focusing on documenting the daily life of Bella Pilas, a trans woman and ukay-ukay vendor in Davao City. Working alongside an anthropologist, Duran aimed to explore gender identity within the Sama-Bajau community while also dispelling negative stereotypes, emphasizing that while some Bajau individuals resort to begging out of necessity, many, like Bella, build their own businesses and livelihoods.

Altarejos reiterated that the festival is dedicated to championing a "cinema of social consciousness." The launch also saw the participation of cinematographer Manuel Garcellano and filmmaker Marco Bertillo Mata from 2076 Kolektib, underscoring the collective effort behind the initiative.

ALT-R Heroes 2025 will run from July to November, with scheduled screenings in Camarines Sur and Negros Oriental, and plans for expansion to more regions. The festival aims to continue celebrating film's power as a tool for increasing visibility and driving transformation through authentic Filipino narratives.

The festival's winners will be selected by an esteemed all-women jury consisting of educator Lisa Ito-Tapang, filmmaker Siege Ledesma, transdisciplinary artist Bunny Cadag, veteran journalist Marinel Cruz, and Cannes-recognized filmmaker Kyla Romero. The awards will be announced on Human Rights Day, December 10.

Adding to the day's events, Altarejos' award-winning drama, *Guardia de Honor*, was screened, with lead actress Laurice Guillen in attendance. The day concluded with the premiere of Altarejos' latest BL film, *Sa Panahong Walang Katiyakan* (In a Time of Uncertainty).

ALT-R Heroes 2025 is made possible through partnerships with Sine Pop!, Full Post Asia, Camaya Sunset Villa, Ticao Altamar Boutique Resort, Artist Concept Production Company, Ellió Scent Lab, iWantickets, and ADCC Productions.