QC Int'l Pink Film Festival returns with 64-film lineup, Soxie Topacio tribute

The Quezon City International Pink Film Festival returns after a three-year hiatus, presenting to its audience its largest collection of feature length and short films yet. 

On offer are 64 film — including 42 short film titles — that capture the different facets of LGBTQA+ life.

Councilor Lena Marie “Mayen” Juico, author of QC Gender Fair Ordinance, told the press during the festival's launch on Friday that this year's lineup touches on topical themes like human rights, mental health, and the rising cases of HIV/AIDS. 

A special highlight of the festival is the opening film in Cine Adarna, PJ Raval's "Call Her Ganda."

The documentary focuses on Filipina transgender Jennifer Laude's death at the hands of US Marine Lance Corporal Joseph Scott Pemberton. It bagged the Grand Jury Prize for Outstanding North American Documentary Feature at the at 34th Los Angeles Pacific Film Festival.

The opening film at Gateway Cinema, meanwhile, is Jethro Patalinghug's "50 Years of Fabulous." The film presents the history of the Imperial Council of San Francisco, the world's oldest surviving LGBTQ+ charity organization. 

Leading the Philippine lineup is "Ded na si Lolo", the critically acclaimed dramedy by Soxie Topacio. The festival has a dedicated section to commemorate Soxie's life and contributions as the former Quezon City Pride Council President.

Featured in the international lineup are films celebrating gay pride and sexuality such as Brazil’s “Liquid Truth,” Japan’s “Boys for Sale,” and Turkey’s “Mr. Gay Syria,” Tonga’s “Leitis in Waiting,” and Thailand’s “The Driver.”

Screenings are to be held on November 14 to 17 at the Gateway Cinema Complex in Cubao, November 19 to 21 at University of the Philippines Cine Adarna in Diliman, and November 22 to 25 at Cinema Centenario in Maginhawa Street.

Ticket information and screening schedules will be released on the official Quezon City International Pink Film Festival Facebook page. — GMA News