COURAGE | A Short Film

𝐓𝐞𝐫𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐚𝐭. 𝐁𝐚𝐥ó𝐭. 𝐀𝐥𝐭 + 𝐕.

~🚌🥚⌨️~

These are not just titles or episodes. These are lived experiences hidden behind success, survival, and quiet strength.

𝙏𝙚𝙧𝙢𝙞𝙡𝙖𝙩 follows 𝗠𝗮𝗴𝗱𝗮, a woman labeled by society for selling her body in exchange for money. Words like slut or 𝘥𝘶𝘱𝘢𝘯𝘨 are thrown so easily, as if they explain everything. But looking back, judgment never solved hunger, trauma, or fear. Magda’s story reminds us that before the label, there is a reason. And before the reason, there is a human being.

𝘽𝙖𝙡ó𝙩 carries two meanings. It is a Filipino street food we all know, but it also means something balot or wrapped. For 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗼 𝗝𝗿., the balót he sells represents the fear that hides the truth. His basket carries more than food. It carries identity, resilience, and courage. As part of the LGBTQIA+ community, he faces mockery and discrimination daily just for being himself. Still, he shows up, sells balót, and slowly unwraps the truth in a society that often refuses to make space for him.

𝘼𝙡𝙩 + 𝙑 tells the story of 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝗵𝗮𝗻, whose life is reflected through a keyboard shortcut. An alter who sells nude videos, not for pleasure, but for survival. The + 𝙑 represents the deeper reason behind his choice, the part people rarely ask about but are quick to judge.

In the end, 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐞 is not just a film. It is a question.

Can we stop judging and start listening? Can we choose understanding over shame?

𝗪𝗮𝘁𝗰𝗵. 𝗥𝗲𝗳𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁. 𝗔𝗻𝗱 𝗺𝗮𝘆𝗯𝗲 𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝘀𝗲 𝗲𝗺𝗽𝗮𝘁𝗵𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲.

A final requirement in the course, Gender and Society, was guided by our enthusiastic instructor, 𝗠𝘀. 𝗚𝗿𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝗣. 𝗟𝘂𝗺𝗮𝗸𝗶𝗻.

Submitted by: Group 1

🖋️: Arnold P. Rivera