MQFF NOTES: Out Run (2016, Dirs. Leo Chiang, Johnny Symons)

Out Run follows a rousing political campaign in the Philippines for Ladlad, the world's first LGBTI political party.

Street-side conversations and community group meetings give good insight into the grassroots campaigning methods and the temper of the people on the ground. The staunchly catholic population espouse some interesting takes on LGBTI issues. Thankfully, the decision of lead candidate, trans woman Bemz Benedito, to rally votes from trans hairdressers and beauty pageant contestants ensures the film is crammed with enough fabulousness to offset the Debbie Downers.

S. Leo Chiang and Johnny Symons' doco has its heart in the right place and fires it up with political gusto but ultimately plays to the home crowd. That's not a bad thing, and it certainly ties in with the film's rallying-cry purpose, but it may dampen its impact on audiences in less antagonistic political circumstances.

★★★

Trailer:

Out Run screened as part of the Melbourne Queer Film Festival 2017. 

You can check out other films from the festival here.