Rodina Singh’s controversial and provocative DREAMBOI makes its U.S. Premiere to the 50TH LGBTQ+ Film Festival (Frameline50), screening on June 23, 7:30 PM at Roxie Theatre

Trans filmmaker Rodina Singh’s DREAMBOI made headlines in the Philippines at the CineSilip Film Festival initially receiving an “X” rating twice from the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) due to its “indecent” and “immoral” content. But after negotiations, it was successfully reclassified to an R-18 just one day before its premiere.

 

Luckily, I was in Manila when they held a special screening after the festival. Many may have missed the film due to its limited run. Frameline is lucky to screen this film on June 23, 7:30 p.m. at the Roxie Theatre.

 

The film depicts the harsh realities trans women face, including public harassment, workplace discrimination, and the constant search for safety and acceptance. EJ Jallorina delivers a stellar, demanding lead performance playing “Diwa,” a trans woman seeking escape through fantasy and an audio porn star (Tony Labrusca who gave a brave strong performance). Through “Dreamboi”, Diwa accesses lush fantasies of a life defined by sexuality and desire, rather than fear.  When — deep in the one dingy sub-basement bathroom where she won’t be harassed—she stumbles upon Dreamboi in the flesh having sex with a stranger, the line between Diwa’s fantasies and realities starts to blur.

 

For tickets, daily schedule, and to browse other films participating, please go to Frameline.org