At the media conference for ‘Mahal Kita Beksman’ which LionhearTV covered on October 20, director Perci Intalan highlighted their goal of educating people about SOGIE (Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Expression) through their upcoming movie.
Intalan explained that they created the concept for ‘Mahal Kita Beksman’ to help educate people about sexual orientation and gender identity.
Intalan explained, “Parang naisip namin, hindi naiintindihan ng tao ‘yung difference ng sexual orientation and gender identity. Pano natin matutunan na maipaliwanag ‘yun. And hindi naman seryosong usapan na kailangan gawin natin ‘yun as an advocacy, pumasok lang ‘yun sa isip namin.”
He then talked about the purpose of their early project, ‘Die Beautiful,’ to address the struggles of the LGBTQIA+ community, especially after Jennifer Laude’s death.
He said, “… with SOGIE Bill, nade-define na ‘yung sexual orientation, and gender identity. So umabot kami sa point na parang ‘yung Die Beautiful, ‘yung situation was si Jennifer Laude was unfortunately killed and hindi na-intidihan ng tao kung bakit issue ‘yun, kaya ginawa naming Die Beautiful.”
He then recounted his experience relevant to the plot ‘Mahal Kita, Beksman.’
The director revealed that his closest friends were gay; he pursued a girl (who was aware of his homosexuality) who had many admirers but chose him; he felt victorious, and he and his sweetheart celebrated with all of his gay friends.
He also noted that Mahal Kita, Beksman is a reverse coming-out story. He shared, “So doon nanggaling ‘yung germ ng idea. Sabi ko, what if gumawa tayo ng reverse coming out story. What if it’s a gay guy coming out di ba sa isang straight world, ito dito baliktarin natin, it’s a straight guy coming out of a gay world.”
‘Mahal Kita, Beksman’ stars Christian Bables, Keempee de Leon, Katya Santos, and Iana Bernardez.
The upcoming romantic comedy film from Viva and IdeaFirst, directed by Perci Intalan, will be released in theaters nationwide on November 16th.
