Shunned, a film about the lives of transsexuals in the Philippines, will be screened May 1 and 2.
A reportage, Shunned profiles ladyboys, Philippine transsexuals who change their appearance to become “perfect” women, part doll and part diva and now a social phenomenon even outside South-East Asia. The movie was shot during one of the few beauty contests dedicated to transsexuals: musical acts, spangles and sequins, incredible and provocative dresses, sexy choreography. But also intimate moments of private confessions, which bring out a distressing present and a painful past made up of all kinds of rejections, attacks and violence. Villarosa discovered a world which, as she admits herself, changed her forever.
“I started this project over three years ago, not knowing anything about transsexualism,” said Villarosa. ” I did not know how to react toward transsexuals and I admit I myself had my own reservations. I had that negative reaction and I wanted to change it. The only way I knew how was to enlighten myself by surrounding myself with them and get to know them. This documentary has changed not only me but also my crew as well.
“I am passionate about this film,” continued Villarosa, “as I believe people need to see it. I told mytransfriends to use this film as their voice. So many of them have been victims of hate-crime and a few of their friends killed. Especially with hearing all these crimes happening all over in the US and worldwide, the more I had to do something about it. We are all the same—human. The difference is that they go through people’s judgement EVERY DAY of their lives. I hope with this film, their voice will be heard.”
