Little One (Ili-ili)

Director's Statement

As a young filmmaker and animator hailing from the LGBTQIA+ community in the Philippines, I embarked on the creation of my graduation thesis film "Ili-Ili' with a desire to fill a gap in Filipino animation—bringing to life a narrative reflective of the underrepresented queer stories in the Philippine media landscape. The film seeks to explore the Filipino LGBTQIA+ experience and the journey of parenthood within non-traditional family structures, a topic rarely tackled in Filipino storytelling.

The short film’s original title "Ili-Ili," drawing its name from a popular Filipino-Ilonggo lullaby "Ili-ili, tulog anay," traditionally sung by non-relatives, encapsulates the essence of Filipino familial values. This inspiration served as the heart of the story, anchoring the film's exploration of boundless parental love that transcends societal norms. Visually, the film adopts a painterly style in homage to my favorite Filipino painter Fernando Amorsolo. Known for his pastoral depictions of Filipino life I embraced Amorsolo's aesthetic essence, infusing each frame with the warmth and depth of his brushstrokes and compositions.

My creative process for "Ili-Ili" was an intimate journey. From interviewing Filipino same-sex couples and parents to collaborating closely with trusted friends. I took on the arduous task of single-handedly animating the film, crafting both its characters and environments. While certain aspects like costume design and sound production were outside my expertise, I experimented with various techniques, such as projection mapping and matte painting, to achieve the film's painterly look.

My initial goal was to spotlight Filipino same-sex parents. It's a heartfelt tribute not only to the Filipino same-sex parents who shared their stories with me but also a testament to my own aspirations for the future. Through this film, I aim to spark crucial conversations about same-sex parenthood and advocate for the recognition of their rights—especially within the context of my country, the Philippines is yet to embrace the passage of the anti-discrimination bill and the recognition of same-sex civil unions.