{"id":26638,"date":"2014-09-23T08:14:29","date_gmt":"2014-09-23T00:14:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/canadianinquirer.net\/v1\/?p=26638"},"modified":"2014-09-28T11:53:24","modified_gmt":"2014-09-28T03:53:24","slug":"filipina-film-makers-docu-on-transsexuals-wows-us-film-fest-goers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/canadianinquirer.net\/v1\/2014\/09\/23\/filipina-film-makers-docu-on-transsexuals-wows-us-film-fest-goers\/","title":{"rendered":"Filipina filmmaker\u2019s docu on transsexuals wows US film-fest goers"},"content":{"rendered":"
\""Shunned"movie<\/a>
“Shunned”movie poster (from the Facebook page of Shunned)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A misconception of transsexuals – especially those living in her home country, the Philippines – is what drove Filipina filmmaker Janice Villarosa to shoot the documentary that is now taking the US film festival circuit by storm.<\/p>\n

“Shunned” is a film that sheds light on what is still considered taboo in more conservative circles.<\/p>\n

Shot in reportage style at one of the country\u2019s beauty contests for transsexuals, the film depicts the lives of “ladyboys” in the Philippines. It profiles \u201c men who surgically alter and enhance their physique and appearance in order to fulfill the desire of transforming into \u201cperfect\u201d women.<\/p>\n

“Shunned” showcases flashy musical performances, glitz and kitsch, racy yet glamorous costumes, and seductive dance numbers.\u00a0 Yet it also delves into more intimate moments: tearful confessions of pain, rejection, and even of violent pasts.<\/p>\n

Villarosa explores this \u201cpart-doll, part-diva\u201d social phenomenon – fast-spreading across Southeast Asia and other parts of the world – in a poignant and meaningful manner.<\/p>\n

She admits it has forever changed her perspective.<\/p>\n

\u201cI started this project over three years ago, not knowing anything about transsexualism. I did not know how to react toward transsexuals and I admit I myself had my own reservations. I had that negative reaction and I wanted to change it. The only way I knew how was to enlighten myself by surrounding myself with them and get to know them. This documentary has changed not only me but also my crew as well,\u201d Villarosa said.<\/p>\n

She shares her hopes that this film would become a platform for transsexuals; their voice to the rest of the world.<\/p>\n

“I am passionate about this film as I believe people need to see it. I told my transfriends to use this film as their voice. So many of them have been victims of hate-crimes and a few of their friends killed. Especially with hearing all these crimes happening all over in the US and worldwide, the more I had to do something about it. We are all the same\u2014human. The difference is that they go through people\u2019s judgement EVERY DAY of their lives. I hope with this film, their voice will be heard,\u201d she added.<\/p>\n

“Shunned” is one of 5 Filipino films to be screened at the Hawaii International Film Festival, on Oahu Island\u00a0 from Oct. 30 to Nov. 9.\u00a0 The four others are: (Carlos Siguion-Reyna\u2019s \u201cHari ng Tondo,\u201d Eduardo Roy Jr.\u2019s \u201cQuick Change,\u201d Zig Dulay\u2019s \u201cM (Mother\u2019s Maiden Name),\u201d and Real Florido\u2019s \u201cFirst Ko si Third\u201d).<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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