Flower Girl, the latest comedy from writer-director Fatrick Tabada (known for Patay Na Si Jesus and Si Chedeng at Si Apple), marks Tabada’s directorial debut. But this isn’t just another irreverent film: it’s a pointed response to homophobia.
The film follows Ena (Sue Ramirez), a casually transphobic sanitary napkin spokeswoman who magically loses her vagina after angering a butch sorceress (Mae Paner). Ena, with the help of her assistant Mel (Maxie Andreison), must then find someone who truly loves her — even without her beloved “Poochy” — before the last petal falls off a dying enchanted flower.
“It was inspired by the discrimination that trans women have received,” Tabada told Rolling Stone Philippines, “especially in the CRs. I mean, they just deserve our respect.”
When asked what he wants audiences to take away from his latest film, Tabada hopes that they see the morals underneath the film’s humor. He said, “First and foremost, it’s a comedy, so I hope they laugh. But I think by making them laugh, I’ve already won half the battle. Besides dedicating this film to the LGBT [community] and trans women, it’s also a film for all the homophobes and transphobes. I hope they watch the film and get something out of it.”
“There’s really a message in this movie for every homophobic person out there,” Angel Galang, who plays Ena’s second assistant Lyka, told Rolling Stone Philippines. “You should love and accept one another, because there are no differences between us.” Galang, best known for competing in the third season of Drag Race Philippines, makes her acting debut in Flower Girl.
For Andreison, who competed in the third season of Drag Race Philippines and Season 2 of Queen of the Universe, the movie couldn’t come at a better time than Pride Month. “Sobrang perfect ng timing na makita mo talaga kung gaano kahalaga ang message,” Andreison said. With Pride Month underway, Andreison also shared a message for the LGBTQIA+ community. “Ang message ko sa inyo,” said Andreison, “mabuhay kayo ng makulay!”
Flower Girl opens in cinemas on June 18.
