Jesus is dead
by Victor Villanueva
The Philippines 2016, 90 min.
When Iyay learns that Jesus, her estranged husband, has died, she tells her children that they are going on a trip – an inter-island road trip smack in the middle of the Philippines, to be exact. No ifs or buts about it – they are attending their father’s funeral. Her children – Hubert, who has Down Syndrome; Jude, a lovesick trans man; and Jay, who is living the bum life – join her with varying degrees of reluctance as she drives them in her extra-mini minivan. Through one unplanned detour after another, the family comes closer to confronting the past and figuring out how to simply enjoy the ride toward an uncertain future.
Awards
The Audience Choice Award and the Gender Sensitive Award - QCinema IFF 2016
Honorable Mention for Narrative Feature - TWIST: Seattle Queer FF 2017
Festivals
World Premiere: QCinema IFF 2016
International Premiere: Frameline 2017
New Filipino Cinema 2017
TWIST Seattle Queer FF 2017
NewFest 2017
Taiwan International Queer FF 2017
Gender Bender FF 2017
Toronto Reel Asian IFF 2017
Roze Filmdagen 2018
Cast & Crew
Jaclyn Jose, Chai Fonacier, Vincent Viado, Melde Montañez, Mailes Angeli Kanapi
Production: Moira Lang | Epicmedia | Above The Line Production
Victor Villanueva
Victor Villanueva is a Cebuano filmmaker who graduated with a degree in Advertising from the University of San Carlos. His short films have won for him several awards and a loyal following who anticipate his every project for their wit, charm, and distinctly offbeat humor. He is currently based in Manila doing freelance directing for commercials, digital ads, and film. “Patay na si Hesus” is his second feature film.