Asog

Directed by Seán Devlin

Film Movement

2023

101 Minutes

Canada, Philippines, USA

Tagalog, Filipino

Comedy, Drama, LGBTQIA2S+

Asian Studies, Oceans and Coasts, LGBTQIA2S+, Environment, Social Justice

Not Rated

Library Pricing:

DVD $150.00

Blu-ray $150.00

PPR $350.00

DRL $499.00

PPR+DRL $599.00

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To submit an order, request a preview screener, or ask a question contact Erin Farrell

erin@filmmovement.com

In the aftermath of Typhoon Yolanda, TV host-turned-teacher Jaya leaves their job and unsupportive boyfriend to pursue their passion for drag and compete in the Ms. Gay Sicogon Pageant. Before leaving, they run into their former student, Arnel, heading in the same direction in hopes of finding his father. Banding together, the unlikely duo’s difficult yet cathartic journey is marked by a series of encounters with victims of the recent environmental devastation.

“Essential viewing as queer cinema, as political cinema and as climate cinema,” (Eastern Kicks) Seán Devlin’s ASOG emphatically reiterates the importance of resistance and companionship in a world of environmental, economic and social precarity.

"ASOG is an incredibly well-crafted film in every aspect. Not only is the cinematography beautiful and the use of magical realism enchanting and vivid, but the blending of fiction and real life is masterful, both in the plot and in the film’s content. I’ve never seen such a success in any attempt to blend documentary activism with drama and comedy...Highly Recommended. EDITOR'S CHOICE." - Video Librarian

Cast

Jaya
Arnel Pablo
Raul Ramos
Amelia De La Cruz

Highest Rating
"Asog is essential viewing as queer cinema, as political cinema and as climate cinema. It’s a story about grief, of trauma and of injustice, but also of community, love, joy and laughter. It is moving and funny, informative and dream-like; an all-around fantastic blend of reality and fiction."

Niina Doherty, EasternKicks.com
Highest Rating
"Jaya is a comedian first and foremost and the film honors their sense of humor, the impulse to laugh as a break from crying."

Drew Gregory, Autostraddle
Highest Rating
"A remarkable and beautiful film that is part documentary, part fiction, and entirely extraordinary..... [T]his is a truly special, one-of-a-kind film."

Queer Street
Highest Rating
"Asog isn’t just a movie; it’s a luminous testament to the human spirit to move on after disaster."

Alan Ng, Film Threat
Highest Rating
"Takes you down a funny road but also makes you really see it, potholes and all. In this regard, it’s a rousing success."

Emily Wheeler, Film Inquiry
Highest Rating
"Devlin's docufiction offers a unique and genuine perspective of political and national history, tackling diverse subjects with uncensored and brave commentary. "

Federica Giampaolo, Asian Movie Pulse
Highest Rating
"[A]n irreverent, and sometimes very beautiful mix of magical realism storytelling and necessary truths about the hard parts of life."

Andrew Hebden, Queerguru
Highest Rating
"“Asog” makes its audience laugh and cry in equal measure. The plot infuses elements of drag, Filipino folklore and magical realism to package a story that expands on numerous themes with deft precision."

Annapoorna Shruthi, The Vancouver Arts Review