Asog (film)

Asog is a 2023 Canadian-Philippine docufiction film, directed by Seán Devlin. Incorporating both fictionalized and documentary elements, the film stars Filipino transgender comedian and activist Rey "Jaya" Aclao, who is taking former student Arnel Pablo on a road trip to a drag competition; along the way, they meet various people whose lives have been impacted by corporate greed and climate change in the aftermath of destructive typhoons.

Plot
Set in 2013 during the aftermath of Typhoon Yolanda, a former teacher adopts her former student as an apprentice in her journey to compete in the Philippines’ Miss Pageant Competition.

Production
The film received a completion grant from the Frameline Film Festival several months ahead of its debut.

Distribution
The film debuted at the 2023 Tribeca Film Festival. and had its Canadian premiere in the Canadian Narrative Competition at the 2023 Calgary International Film Festival.

Awards
The film won the Grand Jury Prize for Screenwriting, International Narrative Feature at the 2023 Outfest.

At Calgary, the film received a special jury citation from the RBC Emerging Canadian Artist award jury.