Asog is a 2023 Canadian-Philippine docufiction film, directed by Seán Devlin.[1] Incorporating both fictionalized and documentary elements, the film stars Filipino transgender comedian Rey "Jaya" Aclao, who is taking former student Arnel Pablo on a road trip to a drag competition; along the way, they meet various people whose lives have been impacted by corporate greed and climate change in the aftermath of destructive typhoons.[2]
Plot
Set in 2013 during the aftermath of Typhoon Yolanda, a former teacher adopts her former student as an apprentice in her journey to compete in the Philippines’ Miss Pageant Competition. [3]
Production
The film received a completion grant from the Frameline Film Festival several months ahead of its debut.[4]
Distribution
The film was a selection of the Cannes Docs-in-progress showcase.[5]
The film debuted at the 2023 Tribeca Film Festival.[6] It was an official selection of the 67th BFI London Film Festival, the 39th Warsaw International Film Festival and the inaugural SXSW Sydney.[7] The film had its Canadian premiere in the Canadian Narrative Competition at the 2023 Calgary International Film Festival.[8]
Co-stars Jaya and Arnel Pablo on red carpet at Tribeca Premiere.
Awards
Viewers at the 42nd Vancouver International Film Festival gave the film the Audience Award in the Spectrum programme.[9]
The film won the Kau Ka Hōkū or shooting star Grand Jury Award at the 43rd Hawaii International Film Festival.[10] The jury stated "this work signals the emergence of an exciting new voice in cinema."[11]
The jury at the 47th São Paulo International Film Festival awarded the film's lead Rey "Jaya" Aclao the festival's only acting prize with a Special Mention for "Best Performance".[12] The film won the Committee Choice prize for 'Best Feature Film' at the 2024 Bali International Film Festival. [13]
The film won the Grand Jury Prize for Screenwriting, International Narrative Feature at the 2023 Outfest.[14]
At Calgary, the film received a special jury citation from the RBC Emerging Canadian Artist award jury.[15]
