Asog

By: MJ Asuncion

Asog borders the line of narrative and documentary. It recounts true events with testimonies from real-life typhoon survivors alongside fictional elements about Filipinos ancestry. The Philippines has been ranked as the number one most-disaster-prone country, based on high risk, exposure and vulnerability according to the 2023 World Economic Forum Global Risks Report. This film will bring much needed attention to the people greatly affected by climate change. “Loss and damage is real, and it has a human face.” – Sean Devlin

The film’s co-star and co-writer, Jaya, is a non-binary Filipino comedian based in the city of Tacloban, Philippines. Jaya’s career as a comedian hosting a late-night television show ended when Typhoon Haiyan (known in the Philippines as Super Typhoon Yolanda) devastated the country. Jaya is focused on teaching and helping children through the post-traumatic effects of the typhoon. In a moment of personal clarity, Jaya decides to travel across the country to compete in a beauty pageant, leaving behind their partner. Along the way they encounter Arnel, one of their students and fellow typhoon survivor, who is going the same way in search of family. Arnel joins Jaya to face the long trip together. The journey is difficult, filled with many challenges, but together they endure with dignity and humor.

This stunning film is a testimony to the strength and resilience of the people of the Philippines in the lingering and lasting effects of a disaster. Jaya’s natural charisma and comedic genius shine throughout the film. Their ability to bring a sense of comfort and joy to the people around them is a gift. Jaya and Arnel’s bond is genuine and it is apparent they both lean on each other for support and companionship. Together Jaya and Arnel are forever changed by their journey, each other and all those they meet along the way.

Sean Devlin is a Filipino-Chinese-Irish-Canadian comedian and filmmaker based in Vancouver, British Columbia. He is best known for his 2018 film When the Storm Fades, for which he won the Emerging Canadian Director award at the 2018 Vancouver International Film Festival. The making of Asog was partly inspired by Devlin seeing Jaya’s comedy show in Tacloban the year following Typhoon Haiyan. Devlin witnessed the power of laughter to lift people’s spirits and he knew he wanted to have this joyfulness be a part of the film.

Asog is a story of hope, survival and the power of the human spirit. In times of extreme difficulty, you can choose to give up or you can push yourself to keep going. The people of the Philippines show their resilience and solidarity following extreme devastation, where countless lives were lost, and millions were left without a home. Asog raises awareness of the long-lasting impacts of climate change on a community. Additionally, the film also pays homage to the stories of LGBTQ+ identifying Filipinos, as its global release is during America’s annual celebration of Pride. The movie provides necessary commentary on transphobia and gender identity. Asog is true and authentic, discussing very serious subjects, but it is also entertaining, funny and most of all, full of heart. It was a joy to watch the film in person at the Tribeca Film Festival and I hope many have an opportunity to go see it. You will truly be moved by it.