Human Rights Film Screening: Asog

Event Description: This event is part of the Carr Center’s Human Rights Film Series. This series aims to explore the human rights challenges faced by individuals around the world through various documentaries. The screening will feature both the film and a panel discussion.

Film Description: Set in the aftermath of the 2013 Super Typhoon Haiyan, newly unemployed Jaya, a former comedian and schoolteacher, embarks on a journey across the Philippines in hopes of winning a queer beauty pageant and the cash prize. Their solitary journey is interrupted by Arnel, a student heading toward the same direction in search of family. A fascinating chronicle of the unlikely duo’s turbulent journey to pick up the pieces of their lives, co-writer and director Seán Devlin offers a fascinating portrait of Jaya’s worldview, combining urgent commentary on colonialism, transphobia, land theft, and climate change with a rich allegory that incorporates Filipino mythology and history. This unique hybrid documentary illuminates the impact of climate change in the Philippines and the unbroken spirit of Filipino solidarity with urgency, humor, and above all, love.

You can learn more about the film on its 2025 Tribeca Film Festival page.

Preregistration for this event is required.

Speakers: 

Jaya, Film Protaganist 

Seán Devlin, Director 

Jilene Chua (moderator), Assistant Professor of Asian American History at Boston University