Documentary on Jennifer Laude’s death wins prize at LA film festival
A documentary on the death of Jennifer Laude, a transgender Filipina who was killed by a US marine, won the grand jury prize at an international film festival in Los Angeles.
PJ Raval’s “Call Her Ganda” was named Outstanding North American Documentary Feature in the non-fiction feature category of the 34th Los Angeles Pacific Film Festival last week.
Producer Marty Syjuco accepted the award and dedicated it to Laude and her family. Reading a message from Raval, he said: “At the screening, one person stood up and said this film is not just about Jennifer, but it is the story of the Filipino people.”
The film made its debut at the Tribeca Film Festival to mixed reviews.
“This well-intentioned documentary leaves audiences feeling like they’re only getting part of a much larger story,” announced Variety’s Nick Schager in his criticism.
More enamored was The Hollywood Reporter’s Frank Scheck, who described it as “powerful.” He gave his seal of approval by also saying that it’s “simultaneously heartbreaking and inspirational.”
According to its website, the Los Angeles Pacific Film Festival’s mission is to “develop and support the voices of Asian American & Pacific Islander filmmakers and media artists who empower communities and challenge perspectives..”
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