For years, Philippine cinema has often boxed LGBTQIA+ representation into stereotypes—queer characters as punchlines, and trans women rarely given space beyond comic relief. This is why Warla, a Cinemalaya 2025 finalist, feels like such a turning point. As the first Filipino film to feature an all-trans woman cast in lead roles, it opens the door for more authentic stories and reminds us that our cinema can be more progressive, inclusive, and true to the times.
Trans Power!
Warla, directed by Kevin Z. Alambra and written by Arah Badayos, tells the story of a group of transgender women who kidnap foreign men to fund their gender-affirming surgeries, unaware that their pursuit of freedom may lead them behind bars. At the center is Kitkat, a young trans woman who finds the family she never had in Joice and her gang, only to be confronted with the harsh reality of their violent methods. As a Cinemalaya 2025 finalist and the first Filipino film to feature an all-trans woman cast in lead roles, Warla stands as a groundbreaking exploration of sisterhood, survival, and the unyielding fight to live as one’s true self.
Picture muna ang trans sindikato bago mahuli ng mga pulis!
— Jervi Wrightson (KaladKaren) (@JerviWrightson) July 29, 2025
WARLA 🌈 An all trans woman cast, directed by Kevin Alambra at Cinemalaya 2025. In a world that still tries to silence us with homophobia and transphobia, we’re showing up louder than ever! This is our story—trans power pic.twitter.com/NQFda5CyrW
Joining the trans-powerhouse cast are KaladKaren, Lance Reblando, Serena Magiliw, Valeria Kurihara, Bernie Barrantes, Khiendra Suzuki, Vitex Paguirigan, Kirk Popiolek, with MatMat Centino. Dimples Romana will also be part of Warla.
While the portrayal of trans Pinays in the film might stir the pot, Alambra explained that ‘Warla’ was made to tell a story about humanity. “Transgender people are not different people —they’re humans,” Alambra emphasized.
KaladKaren, Kirk, and Valeria expressed pride in being part of the film’s bold statement, writing the caption under their social media posts: “In a world that still tries to silence us with homophobia and transphobia, we’re showing up louder than ever! This is our story—trans power!”
Watch as ‘Warla’ passes beyond visibility, loud, proud, and ready to take the center stage. Stay tuned for ticket drops at cinemalaya.org and their socials as ‘Warla’ premieres this October at the 2025 Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival.
— Written by Sophia Koizumi
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