IT RUNS IN THE FAMILY

Directed by Joella Cabalu

Asian American Panorama / Canada, Philippines, USA / 2016 / Documentary, LGBT / 45 mins / English / HD

‹ ›

Watch Trailer

IT RUNS IN THE FAMILY

UltraStar Mission Valley
Thursday, November 10, 2016 5:50 pm

Description

People’s Choice Award for Best Feature, 2016 Vancouver Queer Film Festival
Honorable Mention, Loni Ding Award, 2016 CAAMFest

For Jay Cabalu, coming out to his family wasn’t easy. He struggled with his identity as a gay, Filipino Canadian man who was raised with a Catholic upbringing that condemned homosexuality. The one person he did trust with his secret was his supportive older sister Joella. After coming out, Jay discovered there were at least a half-dozen relatives who were also gay, much to the family’s chagrin. With Joella behind the camera, Jay travels to Oakland and the Philippines to meet his relatives and delve deeper into their own journeys of identity in an effort to help him navigate his own.

IT RUNS IN THE FAMILY is a beautifully personal documentary that demonstrates the importance of a strong support system while discovering yourself. Along his journey, Jay meets members of his family who do not agree with homosexuality, but are still able to love and support him despite their differences. The film also provides a glimpse into the Philippine LGBT community, including the dominating presence of religion in the country. IT RUNS IN THE FAMILY shows that even if we don’t have all the answers right now, simply beginning the conversation with our loved ones is a positive step in the right direction. –James Paguyo

Co-presented by: CSDFEA