Full Breakdown
“Honorablé” Premieres in Amsterdam, Spotlighting Transgender Political Aspirations in the Philippines
7/10/2026, 1:47:38 PM
World Premiere and International Recognition
The 72-minute documentary “Honorablé” will debut at Amsterdam WorldPride and CinemAsia on July 26, marking its first global screening. The film, co-directed by indigenous Moro activist Rhadem Musawah and award-winning Kapampangan filmmaker Francis Tanglao-Aguas, has already earned Best Documentary honors at the 2026 Manila South East Academy International Film Festival (SEAIFF), the Berlin Indie Film Festival, and the Global CineVerse Film Festival. Following Europe, it will open in Latin America at Colombia’s Human Rights International Film Festival (FICDEH) in August and in the Nordic region at Stockholm Pride’s Biocafe Tellus Heritage Theater.
Background: Transgender Political Candidacy in the Philippines
“Honorablé” follows the historic campaigns of two Filipina transgender women: Miel Agustin in Malolos City, Bulacan, and Benjie Diones in Zamboanga City, as they vie for elected office ahead of the 2028 elections. Their runs challenge a political landscape that has traditionally excluded transgender voices, despite growing visibility of LGBTQ Filipinos through groups such as the Ladlad Party List.
Key Figures Behind the Film
The documentary features commentary from former Bataan Representative Geraldine Roman, the Philippines’ first openly transgender congresswoman, and Dr. Danton Remoto, founder of the Ladlad Party. Production is handled by Aguas Films and Seven Ivy Films, with multilingual dialogue spanning English, Filipino, Chavacano, Bisaya, and Tausug.
Official Perspectives on Representation
Directors Musawah and Tanglao-Aguas explain that the film aims to capture the candidates’ challenges, strategies, and resilience as the nation approaches the 2028 elections. They emphasize that the documentary serves both as a record of political activism and as evidence of broader advocacy for equal rights, highlighting the role of LGBTQ parties in securing elected positions.
Why It Matters
By documenting the personal costs and public scrutiny faced by transgender candidates, “Honorablé” underscores the gap between visibility and substantive equality in the Philippines. Its international platform amplifies calls for inclusive representation and may influence public discourse ahead of upcoming elections.
Verbatim Quotes
- “With the 2028 elections approaching, we wanted this film to capture the journey of these candidates — the challenges they face, the strategies they employ, and the resilience they demonstrate in their pursuit of public office.” — Rhadem Musawah, Co-director
- “This documentary highlights the advocacy for equal rights of many groups, including Ladlad Party List, the national organization of LGBTQ Filipinos. Representation also includes political inclusion, which is shown when LGBTQ parties get elected to political positions.” — Dr. Danton Remoto, Ladlad Party founder
- “Honorablé emerged from a desire to document the realities faced by transgender leaders in the Philippines as they seek political representation in a society where visibility does not necessarily translate into equality.” — Directors
- “More than a political documentary, [it] is a portrait of resilience and a testament to communities fighting not simply to be seen, but to lead.” — Directors
