PELILKULAYA Film Fest Brings Queer Stories to the Big Screen
Lights, camera, kulay! The PELILKULAYA International LGBTQIA+ Film Fest took over the Cinematheque Centres this June 21, inviting everyone to a rainbow-hued celebration of queer stories told through the powerful lens of cinema. Organized by the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP), this festival didn’t just roll out the red carpet, it unfurled a whole spectrum of pride, community, and unapologetic self-expression for Pride Month 2025.
Read more about the official kick-off.
Queer cinema takes center stage
From the sizzle of opening night to the warm hugs exchanged in the lobby, PELILKULAYA proved itself as the ultimate gathering spot for Filipino LGBTQ+ storytellers and cinephiles. The festival’s June 21 program featured a special screening of Isabel Sandoval’s critically-acclaimed film Lingua Franca at the Cinematheque Centre Manila, a move that delighted fans and first-timers alike with its heartfelt portrait of love and identity. Alongside Manila, cinemas in Iloilo, Davao, Negros, and Nabunturan pulsed with energetic movie-goers hungry for stories that reflect the beautiful diversity of our community.
Catch the screening schedule and ticket info here.
More than movies, celebrating every LGBT+ shade
This year’s festival theme, “Pantay-Pantay, Iba’t Ibang Kulay,” was more than a motto, it was a full-on invitation to celebrate the wide array of queer experiences. Guests from partner embassies, advocacy groups, and passionate allies mixed in for a spectacular cocktail reception before the films, creating an atmosphere buzzing with solidarity and pride. Community members shared laughs, swapped stories, and snapped photos under banners that shouted, “Everyone belongs here!”
Why PELILKULAYA matters
Events like PELILKULAYA aren’t just about watching films, they’re about finding each other. They give a spotlight to stories often left in the shadows, inspire empathy and courage, and build bridges between generations of Filipino queer folks. The festival marks a significant moment each Pride Month, proving that queer narratives deserve the big screen, and the big applause.
Want to know how the larger film fest scene is shaping up this month? Check out the full 2025 international film festival calendar for more June highlights.
“PELILKULAYA is more than a festival, it’s a family reunion for every shade of the LGBTQIA+ community. If you felt the love, tag us in your photos and let’s keep painting the world with our colors!”, Jasmine Jazzy Lee
Missed this year’s flicks? Don’t worry, FDCP’s socials have all the latest updates, behind-the-scenes fun, and sneak peeks at what’s coming next. Mark your calendars, get your Pride flags ready, and see you at the movies next year!
Share your favorite moments in the comments below or join the conversation on social, Tag @fdcp.pelikulaya and @bayothubcom if you spotted yourself on screen!
