In celebration of Pride Month this June, these LGBTQ+ indie films made by Filipinos are available for streaming for *FREE* for a limited period of time. So make sure you set aside some time to watch them after work or on the weekends!
Mga Pusang Gala (2006)
Directed by Ellen Ongkeko-Marfil
Synopsis: Based on the play written by Jun Lana, Mga Pusang Gala follows the story of Boyet (Ricky Davao), a gay writer who frequently takes in stray cats *and* stray people, like Jojo (Alcris Galura), who mugged him, and Dom (Lauren Novero), who loves bodybuilding. For his writing, Boyet draws inspiration from the happenings with his neighbor Marta (Irma Adlawan), who is currently going through tough times with her boyfriend.
Watch on CinemaOnePH’s Youtube channel until June 30.
Quick Change (2013)
Directed by Eduardo Roy, Jr.
Synopsis: An entry in the 64th Berlin International Film Festival, this film explores the desires of the members of Manila’s transgender community. Dorina “Doc” Pineda (Mimi Juareza) runs a collagen-injecting business catering largely to transgender clients. As different people come in and out of her doors, she struggles with her fading youth and with undergoing full gender reassignment.
Watch on CinemaOnePH’s Youtube channel until June 30.
Pink Halo-Halo (2015)
Directed by Joselito Altarejos
Synopsis: Young Natoy loves his simple life and the simple things he can have, like halo-halo filled with pink gelatin and red sago. Things change when he sees his father, Corporal Lino Bolante, bleeding to death on television due to the ongoing war in Mindanao.
Watch on CinemaOnePH’s Youtube channel until June 30.
I Love You. Thank You. (2015)
Directed by Charliebebs Gohetia
Synopsis: Paul (Joross Gamboa) knows he should get his life together. Except he can’t, because he’s still very much in love with Red (Prince Stefan), the boyfriend of his best friend Ivan (CJ Reyes). He leaves for Siem Reap to find himself, but there he meets Tang (Ae Pattawan), who falls in love with him.
Watch on CinemaOnePH’s Youtube channel until June 30.
Kasal (2014)
Directed by Joselito Altarejos
Synopsis: As a Filipino gay couple resolves to stay together, the situation gets a little complicated when they are invited to a wedding. The film explores the difficulty gay couples encounter in everyday societal norms, as well as the acceptance (or lack thereof) of Filipino society with LGBTQ+ relationships.
Watch on CinemaOnePH’s Youtube channel until June 30.
Ang Gasgas na Plaka ni Lolo Bert (2019)
Directed by Janina Gacosta and Cheska Marfori
Synopsis: Sixty-year-old Lolo Bert (Dido de la Paz) has been closeted for his whole life, and he has been living with HIV for 10 years. But when he receives an old vinyl record from his dead ex-lover, his life is turned upside down.
Watch on FDCP Channel until June 30.
Budjang (2021)
Directed by Rhadem Camlian Morados
Synopsis: Budjang is a documentary exploring the blossoming of LGBT people in a Muslim community and how it can be a model barangay for the acceptance of members of the LGBTQ+ community in the conservative Mindanao.
Watch on FDCP Channel until June 30.
Doon sa Isang Sulok (2019)
Directed by Alfredo “Yong” Tapang Jr.
Synopsis: A group of childhood friends come together for a reunion, where the openly gay Jason brings up a serious and personal matter. But he realizes that his friends are homophobic after all these years.
Watch on FDCP Channel until June 30.
What other LGBTQ+ movies are you watching this Pride Month?
