Rodina Singh pushes for more queer stories beyond tragedy

MANILA, Philippines — Filmmaker Rodina Singh said queer stories do not have to revolve around tragedy to be meaningful, as her romantic comedy-horror film “Multwoh (Patay na Patay Sa'yo)” begins screening in 14 Ayala Cinemas nationwide.

“Queer stories don't have to be tragic to be taken seriously. And they don't have to be serious to matter,” Singh said.

Beyond the LGBT experience

The filmmaker said she wanted “Multwoh” to portray queer experiences beyond the themes of tragedy and violence that have often defined their representation in cinema.

The film, which won the “Panalo sa Manonood” award at the Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival, follows Marcel (Sassa Gurl), a queer ghost who refuses to move on without confessing her feelings to her best friend, Miguel (Joao Constancia).

Singh said the story combines romance, comedy and horror to explore love, humor and joy in queer lives.

She added that the film is about the relationships and memories people leave behind rather than death itself.

“It's a story about the lives we leave behind, the love that remains, and the people who continue to remember us,” she said.

The filmmaker recalled meeting an older gay man who recognized her on an escalator during the festival screenings. He told her he had traveled from the province to watch the film and encouraged her to continue making similar stories.

Singh said audience reactions remain important to her work.

“During our CinePanalo screenings, some of the most meaningful responses I received weren't written reviews. They were conversations with people after the screenings,” she said.

“Audience Choice has always been my North Star,” she added.

“Multwoh” is Singh's third feature film. She credited Puregold CinePanalo, the cast and crew, producers and other supporters for helping bring the independent production to cinemas.

She hopes the film's release will help create more opportunities for queer filmmakers to tell their stories.

“Don't just ask for permission. Demand entry,” Singh said, offering advice to aspiring queer storytellers.

“Because my dream has never been limited to making my own films. I don't just want to tell queer stories. I want to help build an industry where more queer people get to tell theirs,” she added.

“Multwoh (Patay na Patay Sa'yo)” is screening at Glorietta, TriNoma, Market! Market!, Fairview Terraces, Ayala Malls Manila Bay, Ayala Malls Circuit, Ayala Malls Feliz, Ayala Malls Cloverleaf, Ayala Malls Marquee, Ayala Malls Harbor Point, Ayala Malls Center Cebu, Ayala Malls Centrio, Ayala Malls Capitol Central and Ayala Malls Vermosa.

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