The Filipino film ASOG wins Hivos Free to be Me Award

During Roze Filmdagen, Hivos presents the Hivos Free to be Me Award. This year, the award goes to the Filipino film ASOG, a film about friendship, transphobia, and climate change.

In this unique blend of road movie, comedy with surrealistic elements, and documentary, we follow Jaya, a non-binary drag artist and teacher. By chance paired with one of Jaya's students, the duo embarks on a journey through a landscape heavily ravaged by a typhoon.

What makes it even more special is the collaboration with local residents to bring the film to life. All actors are Filipinos portraying themselves, who were affected by Super Typhoon Yolanda in 2013, one of the deadliest storms ever recorded, claiming the lives of over 5,000 people.

ASOG, a film by Seán Devlin, was co-produced by Alan Cumming: "ASOG is the film we need right now. It's filled with so much passion, urgency, humor, and love."

Award Ceremony

The award ceremony will take place on Friday, March 22nd, during the special Award Night at Het Ketelhuis in Amsterdam. Tickets are available for purchase here.

Hivos and Roze Filmdagen

Hivos has been a partner of Roze Filmdagen for years and annually presents the Hivos Free to be Me Award. With this award, Hivos honors a film from a country where being oneself is not a given. It takes great courage to make a film that portrays sexual and gender diversity in these place