The group was called Kilawin Kolektibo, a pioneering 1990s NYC-based queer Filipina lesbian collective formed in 1994 to fight marginalization, build community, and increase visibility.  Filmmakers and former members Barbara Malaran and Desireena Almoradie combed through tons of never-before-seen footage to come up with this insightful, entertaining, and intimate documentary called “Because of You: A History of Kilawin Kolektibo” (“Dahil Sa Iyo: Ang Storya ng Kilawin Kolektibo”).

I spent some time with the directors to dive deep into the socio-political and heartfelt aspects of the film.  It’s about to make its West Coast premiere on May 3rd at the Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival but if you can’t make it in LA in May, have no fear, the doc will be available to stream worldwide on June 5th at Open Television or OTV (weareo.tv) just in time for Pride Month.