The Philippines’ biggest independent film festival, Cinemalaya, is set to feature one of its most groundbreaking entries yet. The 2025 lineup includes Warla, a film that follows a group of trans women who kidnap foreign men in a desperate bid to fund their gender-affirming surgeries.’
The cast is led by TV personality KaladKaren, known internationally for her work as a host, actress, and LGBTQ+ advocate, and actor Lance Reblando. They are joined by Serena Magiliw, Valeria Kurihara, Khiendra Suzuki, Vitex Paguirigan, Kirk Popiolek, and MatMat Centino, with a special cameo appearance by actress Dimples Romano.
The film has gained attention for its casting choice, which places trans women at the center of the story. The filmmakers say the narrative reflects the real struggles of transgender people in the Philippines, where access to gender-affirming care can be difficult and costly.
Cinemalaya, which was founded in 2005, is known for supporting independent Filipino filmmakers and for bringing socially relevant stories to the screen. With Warla, the festival continues its tradition of spotlighting underrepresented voices while taking on challenging themes.
Warla will premiere during Cinemalaya 2025. It will compete with other independent films.
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