Streaming worldwide on OTV (Open Television) today, June 5th, the short documentary “Because of You: A History of Kilawin Kolektibo” is a look at belonging, LGBTQ pride, and the unique experiences of Filipinas who happen to belong to the lesbian community. The documentary, directed by Barbara Malaran and Desireena Almoradie logs in at 39 minutes. But in that time it explores what it means to find a place where you belong amidst prior expulsion, the joy and love that comes with that, and even the bittersweet nature of what happens when that time period ends. “Because of You” starts in the ‘90s — in NYC, pride parades, and get togethers — and ends contemporarily in a simple walk in the forest. The gritty, indie feel of the documentary makes it that much more approachable.
What works best about “Because of You” is that it doesn’t set time aside to explain in detail who the film’s cast is nor what “Kilawin Kolektibo” really is. It’s comprised of Filipina lesbians — mostly — but filmmakers Malaran and Almoradie just point the camera and let them start talking. I found the beginning parts intimate; and since the members of Kilawin Kolektibo — a Filipina advocacy group and sisterhood — record a lot of their conversations and hangouts, it has a dated, timeless feel to it. Some members of the group, such as Margarita Alcantara, talk about the unique experience of being gay and Filipina. Others, regrettably, talk about the struggles of not being gay, but ethic. Stories of bricks thrown through windows and neighbors hurling slurs like “chink” forced the women to figure out who they were. Filipina became a badge of honor as they discovered more and more about their identity.
A Film About Belonging
“Because of You” doesn’t want to spend a lot of time on these negatives, though — it’s about belonging after all. We meet different members of the cast (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, and JB Ramos are credited) who all share different stories. Some share the camaraderie they felt within the Kilawin Kolektibo, while others talk about their sexual and romantic experiences and how they all felt like a family. But along with that comes sadness, as we especially learn in the closing frames. Many of them thought this time period would last forever. Sadly — and even as many formed monogamous, loving relationships — they often missed what they had together.
Barbara Malaran and Desireena Almoradie work overtime on this film, performing directing, doing the camerawork, and editing — and the effect is singular and inviting. Between shots of pride parades and Filipino international parades (which Kilawin Kolektibo surprisingly found support in), the directors use the camera to create effects that make the film feel almost like a dance. At times the camera mimics a kaleidoscope, and other times bends the outsides of the frames and dims. The transitions are intriguing, especially contrasted with the home video feel of the whole production.
An Intimate, Necessary Documentary
This of course may be intentional, as many of the group gatherings were in fact captured on home video. It captured a time period that almost remains timeless. And for someone like myself — who had never heard of Kilawin Kolektibo — it was invigorating to learn about the love and care these women had for each other. It’s especially poignant during Pride Month as our current administration continues to up attacks on the LGBTQ community. It lets us see this group (along with another, Toronto based on, Babaylan) as people and not statistics. The go through personal yet understandable experiences. “Because of You’s” biggest strength is it doesn’t ever preach, just allows us to know these individuals. I walked away feeling better from my time spent with them and the intimate knowledge the filmmakers so gracefully let wash over us.
All-in-all, “Because of You: A History of Kilawin Kolektibo” is nice documentary. While short (its only criticism; I enjoyed the subjects so much that I could have easily watched more), it brings us into a world that we can empathize with and understand. The filming style is unique and singular, and the original score by Barbara Malaran, Lani Montreal, Geoff Wilkinson is also wondrous. The doc is retro yet familiar; vulnerable yet cautious. For those of you looking for a better understanding of not just Filipina culture but also these inclusive groups, “Because of You” is an easy recommend.
Note: “Because of You: A History of Kilawin Kolektibo” opens today on OTV. For more information, click the following link. The film is available in the United States and worldwide, including the Philippines. You can watch the film’s trailer in the window below.
