6 local queer movies and shows to catch in 2023

From upcoming releases to new screenings for gems you may have missed

Bakit malungkot ang beshie ko? Struggling to find new local shows and movies on queer narratives? Don’t fret because there’s a number of releases this year that have us excited and new screenings for ones you may have missed last year.

Not on the list but worthy of a notable mention is “Here Comes The Groom,” which won KaladKaren a Best Supporting Actress award at the Summer Metro Manila Film Festival earlier this year. Our fingers are crossed for new screenings. 

Also absent from the list is the sapphic animated film “The Lovers” that went viral this year when its teaser dropped because it’s still reportedly slated for 2025.

Here’s where and when you can catch these queer movies and shows. Remember, supporting a queer project means making way for more. 

Now showing

“Drag You And Me”

Everyone is welcome to express themselves in drag, even cishets. “Drag You And Me” is the answer for people craving a non-reality TV drag-centered show. It even features drag queens Brigiding, Viñas Deluxe, Xilhouete, Precious Paula Nicole as well as Golden Gays’ Flor Bien Jr. and Rico Reyes.

It follows the story of cisgender Betty (Andrea Brillantes) who joins a prestigious drag competition to save her family’s home and drag comedy bar from repossession. Things get even more complicated when she ends up falling for her bi competitor Jason (JC Alcantara), to the ire of his jealous drag mother Charlie. Love the love triangle aspect or not, you might not want to miss its showcase of drag looks. 

Where and when to watch: Currently airing on the iWant TFC website and YouTube channel

New screenings

“Where Is The Lie” 

Remember that viral Twitter thread in 2020 when a trans woman came forward with transphobic catfishing allegations against a local photographer? Director Quark Henares’ “Where Is The Lie,” alternatively titled “Marupok AF,” is based on that story. 

EJ Jallorina stars as hopeless romantic Janzen Torres who matches with seemingly perfect Theo Balmaceda on a dating app. When Theo ghosts her on the day of their meetup, the heartbroken Janzen starts uncovering the web of lies and manipulation created by “sociopath” director Beanie Landridos played by Maris Racal.

Where and when to watch: The film first premiered at the Slamdance Film Festival last January in Utah but you’ll be able to catch it at the upcoming New York Asian Film Festival on July 22 at the Lincoln Center.

“I Get So Sad Sometimes”

You may remember Trishtan Perez’s “I Get So Sad Sometimes” bagging the QCShorts Best Film at the QCinema International Film Festival in 2021. It’s about to make its South Korean premiere at the Korea Queer Film Festival. It follows the story of a small town high schooler named Jake who secretly spends his nights on the internet with an older man whose face he still hasn’t seen yet.

Where and when to watch: Screenings will be available at the Daehan Theatre in Seoul from July 7 to 9. You can also catch it online on Purplay. 

Upcoming releases

“Rookie”

“Walang basketball dito eh. Ayaw ng mga madre. Nakaka-tomboy raw.” Sounds unfortunately relatable? Then, “Rookie” is made for you. Co-written by Antoinette Jadaone’s sister Natts Jadaone and director Samantha Lee (Thank you for your continued service to lesbians), the film is serving sporty sapphic rep.

It’s about an awkward teen (Pat Tingjuy) who’s forced to play volleyball when she transfers to a new school without a basketball team. And you guessed it, the rookie falls for their star player (Aya Fernandez).

Where and when to watch: It is set to premiere at the Cinemalaya Film Festival with screenings from Aug. 4 to 13.

“Drag Race PH” Season 2

“Drag Race Philippines” is about to make its return and it’s going to be beach-y. Or at least, that’s what the teaser suggests. No word yet on the exact release date but it’s soon. The first season dropped last August so it’s probably around the same time. As they say, may pakpak ang chismis. There are already rumored cast threads and spoilers on social media. Better start muting words if you don’t want to ruin the surprise.

“Drag Den” Season 2

“Drag Den” left us with a cliffhanger last season and showrunner Rodina Singh confirmed in an interview that the show’s queens will be finding a new den. That’s about as much confirmed info we have right now but rumor is that the show will be airing again this year. We’re probably looking at a December premiere like last time.

Art by Ella Lambio

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