How Do You Make SUPERPSYCHOCEBU?

It could be said that Binisaya’s current curatorial culture is an after-effect of the Cebuano New Wave. Some works that define this exciting, eclectic filmmaking era include Jerrold Tarog and Ruel Antipuesto’s Confessional (2007), Remton Zuasola’s one-take drama Ang Damgo ni Eleuteria (2010), Victor Villanueva’s absurdist horror My Paranormal Romance (2011), Ivan Zaldarriaga’s zombie thriller Di Ingon ‘Nato (2011), Ara Chawdhury’s queer magical realist debut feature Miss Bulalacao (2015), Christian Linaban’s stoner comedy Superpsychocebu (2016), along with festival founder Keith Deligero’s Kordero ng Diyos (2012).

Revolving around the idea of the essence of womanhood portrayed by a homosexual character, her most recent film was not only satirical but at the same time political, hinting at truths while being fictional. When asked if the answer of the lead character regarding the essence of womanhood reflected her own views, Ara answered: “No, I don’t believe that motherhood is truly the essence of being a woman. What about women who will never become mothers because they’re sterile? What about the women who don’t want to be mothers like those who think that if they become mothers they won’t be able to pursue their passions? What if the woman who would discover the cure to cancer had to spend years and years in the laboratory beyond her fertility years? Is she any less of a woman? For me it’s very limited.