Because of You: A History of Kilawin Kolektibo
Dahil Sa 'Yo: Ang Storya Ng Kilawin Kolektibo
Directed by Barbara Malaran, Desireena AlmoradieCast: Lisa José, Suzette Millare, Margarita Alcantara, Irene Villaseñor, Panday Banale, Ling Quisumbing Ramilo, Chris Lipat, Chris Imperial, Lani Montreal, Melanya Liwanag Aguila, Rich Sace, Marco Aguila, JB Ramos
- USA
- Coming of Age, Documentary, Experimental, History, Human Rights, LGBTQIA+, Music, Social Issues, Women
- English, Tagalog
- Subtitled
- 2025
- 40 mins
- Los Angeles premiere
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shareBecause of You: A History of Kilawin Kolektibo traces the history of Kilawin Kolektibo, a pioneering collective of Filipnxs who came together in NYC in the mid-nineties. Having experienced marginalization in Filipino culture because of their queerness and in mainstream gay culture because of their race, language, and gender, the members of the group sought political empowerment and increased visibility. But above all, they sought to create a space of friendship and safety for those who found themselves suspended between cultures and identities.
Film Advisory Content: “dyke” is used throughout the film, verbally and in images; “ch-nk” is mentioned twice in recounting of racist experience; flashing images; nudity / breasts; clip from “Priscilla Queen of the Desert” of Filipina mail order bride shooting pingpong balls from her vagina (not graphic depiction); covered body being carried on stretcher / clip from news report of Filipina mail order bride murdered by white husband
Credits
Writer: Desireena Almoradie, Barbara Malaran
Producer: Desireena Almoradie
Executive Producer: Almoradie Media
Director of Photography: Barbara Malaran, Desireena Almoradie, Ling Quisumbing Ramilo
Editor: Barbara Malaran, Desireena Almoradie
Composer: Barbara Malaran, Geoff Wilkinson, Lani Montreal
Sound Designer: Ken Takeuchi
Music: Barbara Malaran, Geoff Wilkinson, Lani Montreal
Photography: Panday Banale
