Call Her Ganda

Call Her Ganda is a deeply impactful documentary film released in 2018. Directed by PJ Raval, it sheds light on the brutal murder of Jennifer Laude, a transgender woman, in the Philippines. The title of the film is a reflection of her life, as 'Ganda' means beautiful in Tagalog, and was Jennifer’s nickname. It stars Naomi Fontanos, an influential activist who fights for the rights of the LGBTQ+ community in the Philippines, Julita Laude, the mournful mother of the tragic victim, and the late Jennifer herself via archived videos and stills.

The film unfurls against the backdrop of the aftermath of Jennifer’s murder, engrossing audiences into a heart-wrenching narrative of equality, justice, and violence. It serves as an unsettling reminder of the prevailing discrimination and hostility faced by the transgender community worldwide. It’s not simply an account of a single occurrence, but a reflection of broader societal issues that resonates globally, making it a pivotal watch.

One of the most compelling aspects of the documentary is its unwavering commitment to amplifying Jennifer’s voice, which was brutally silenced. Her spirit is portrayed and kept alive through personal stories, shared memories, as well as a heartbreaking narrative thread involving Jennifer’s doting mother, Julita. Her grief after the horrifying incident is palpable throughout the film, rendering it touchingly poignant.

Anchoring the film is the determined pursuit of justice by the people whose lives were intertwined with Jennifer. Naomi Fontanos, one of the protagonists, is the co-founder of Gender and Development Advocates (GANDA) Filipinas, an organization that stands up for the rights of transgender people in the Philippines. She navigates the perplexing dynamics of politics, trials, and advocacy in a society where transgender rights are often condemned. Fontanos's tireless dedication to justice sets her apart and imbues the film with an impressive measure of grit and perseverance.

Call Her Ganda also delves into the societal reaction to the transgressing incident, exploring controversial issues such as sovereignty, gender, and American imperialism. Jennifer’s accused murderer was an American marine, which sparked public outrage and debates over American military presence in the country given The Visiting Forces Agreement between the US and the Philippines. The case engages the viewers in discourse over the potency of laws in protecting vulnerable communities and brings attention to the intricate web of geopolitics that has significant bearings on the course of justice.

Director PJ Raval approaches his subject matter with empathy and conviction, crafting a compelling narrative filled with raw emotion. His storytelling remains focused, harnessing intimate family circles, and expanding to national scales to reveal the pervasive implications of the case. His unflinching commitment to portraying the sobering realities faced by the transgender community makes Call Her Ganda an eye-opening showcase of empathy and resilience.

The film beautifully humanizes Jennifer within a society that vehemently refuses to. Her brief life is portrayed not as a statistic but brimming with hopes and dreams, bursts of laughter, and a love for beauty. Despite Jennifer’s absence, through interviews and home video footage, her presence resonates in every scene, pricking the conscience of the audience about the rate of hate crimes and violence against the LGBTQ+ community.

Call Her Ganda is a profound narrative of a struggle for justice and a tale of personal and societal transformation. The conversations it sparks about human rights, transphobia, and sovereignty are as timely as ever. It’s an essential viewing for those who wish to understand the fight for equality and justice, the plight of the transgender community, and the sociopolitical landscape of a country grappling with its own cultural and judicial inconsistencies.

Above all the surprising turns, wrenching loss, and impassioned fights for justice, Call Her Ganda stands proudly as a stark testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the undying courage to seek justice amid challenging odds.