Out Run 2016
Distributed by New Day Films, 190 Route 17M, P.O. Box 1084, Harriman, NY 10926; 888-367-9154 or 845-774-7051
Produced by S. Leo Chiang and Johnny Symons; Co-produced by Eva Moss and Brittney Shepherd
Directed by S. Leo Chiang and Johnny Symons
DVD, color, 75 min.
College - General Adult
Gay Liberation Movement, Homosexuality, Philippines, Politics, Transgenderism
Date Entered: 08/17/2017
Reviewed by Sophie M. Forrester, Reed Library, State University of New York at FredoniaOut Run chronicles the 2016 election campaign of Ladlad Partylist, the world’s only LGBT+ political party. As Ladlad’s three candidates, a trans woman and two gay cis men, campaign across the Philippines, they encounter resistance from religious leaders in the deeply Catholic country, and from within the LGBT+ community, amid accusations that they are too centrist.
If this sounds familiar to Americans – well, so does the rest of the film. The film seems much longer than it is due to the fly-on-the-wall style that leads to it seeming like any other political documentary. Viewers are told that Ladlad is innovative even beyond its queerness, yet the origins of those innovations, or the party itself, are never shown, nor are their ramifications. The unique qualities of Philippine politics remain unexamined as well.
Instead, the film sticks to a core group of the three candidates and two additional party members and their actions and reactions over the campaign. Yet even then, their personal stories aren’t explored, making them seem like stock figures. As a result, the film seems dry, not at all in keeping with its slogan of “Make politics fierce.” There is a sense here that there’s a story worth telling, and hearing, but it’s not told well enough to hold viewers’ attention.
Despite its flaws, Out Run has something to offer libraries interested in building their collections regarding LGBT+ politics or international politics.
Awards:
- Best Cinematography – Documentary Feature, Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival, 2016