Manny the Movie Guy
How Kilawin Kolektibo Changed Pinay Queer History: An Interview with the Filmmakers
Behind the scenes of the groundbreaking documentary Because of You: A History of Kilawin Kolektibo, filmmakers Barbara Malaran and Desireena Almoradie sat down with renowned critic Manny the Movie Guy to discuss their "intimate, defiant love letter" to the radical queer Filipinx community of 90s New York City.
A Love Letter to Chosen Family
The film, titled Because of You (or Dahil Sa ’Yo), is an archival documentary that chronicles the rise of Kilawin Kolektibo, a pioneering collective formed at the intersections of race, gender, and revolution. During the interview, Malaran and Almoradie shared how the collective provided a vital space for those marginalized by both mainstream gay culture and traditional Filipino culture.
• Radical Beginnings: Founded in the mid-90s, the group turned marginalization into a movement, using radical joy and resistance to combat erasure.
• The "Kilawin" Name: The collective was named after the raw, spicy Filipino dish kilawin, reflecting the raw and bold nature of their storytelling.
Preserving a Vanishing History
The filmmakers discussed the immense task of culling through over 25 years of documentation, including video diaries, photographs, zines, and ephemera provided by the collective’s archivist, Panday Banale.
• Intergenerational Legacy: The film is part manifesto and part memoir, intended as a "tender offering" from Malaran and Almoradie to future generations of QTBIPOC artists and organizers.
• A "Cinema of Touch": Inspired by mentors like Barbara Hammer, the directors aimed to capture the "heartbeat" of the collective's actions—from protests and marches to campy singalongs and massage trains.
Filmmaker Spotlights
Both directors are veterans of the industry with deep roots in the community they documented:
• Desireena Almoradie: An Emmy-nominated and GLAAD Award-winning filmmaker who emigrated from Manila to Queens.
• Barbara Malaran: An interdisciplinary artist and educator who honed their craft documenting Kilawin’s actions during their formative years in NYC.
The interview highlights how Because of You serves not just as a historical record, but as a living act of reconciliation and a celebration of queer kinship.
Check out our interview above, and for our uncut chat, click here.
By: Manny Dela Rosa
April 28, 2026
Latest Instagram Posts
Who makes the NBC Top 3, winner will be announced Sunday night on NBC Palm Springs, with the player who makes the number one spot winning a $250 prize from @hondaofthedesert! Comment below if it will be 1) Sterling Conley with the rushing TD, 2) Marcus Kennedy with the touchdown catch, 3) Cade Pinon with the big time sack, 4) Kingston Pellum with the pick-6, or 5) Caleb Hartwell with the saving throw #fypage #fridaynightlights #football #hondaofthedesert #highschoolfootball
James Nellis from @dsrt_club_lq and @rd_rnnr_lq makes us one of his signature dishes, his Maine scallops with hibiscus puree. His creativity and skill lead to unique bold flavors and scrumptious dishes. We chat about his love of trying new things in the kitchen, what being a chef means to him, and how food can different, flavorful, and fun. This is James Nellis on a plate. See it now on nbcpalmsprings.com
At the annual 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb at Morongo Casino Resort & Spa, first responders, families and community members came together to honor the lives lost—and the heroes who answered the call 25 years ago on September 11, 2001. Two first responders who responded to opposite sides of the World Trade Center met for the first time at the event, sharing a powerful moment of remembrance and connection. 26 flights. Three times. One enduring message: Never Forget. #NeverForget #September11 #911Memorial #MemorialStairClimb #FirstResponders HonorAndRemember 911
Palm Desert’s future takes center stage next week. The Palm Desert Area Chamber of Commerce presents the 2026 State of the City Address & Luncheon on Friday, September 18, at the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort. The event brings together local business leaders, community members and city stakeholders for an inside look at the priorities, opportunities and future of Palm Desert. Friday, September 18 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort Palm Desert Individual tickets are $85 for Chamber members and $95 for non-members. Get the details and registration information from the Palm Desert Area Chamber of Commerce. #PalmDesert #StateOfTheCity #CoachellaValley #PalmDesertBusiness #GreaterPalmSprings #PalmDesertChamber
25 years later, the memories of 9/11 remain vivid for the firefighters who witnessed the tragedy firsthand. A longtime FDNY firefighter reflects on the trauma, loss and moments that have stayed with him a quarter-century after the attacks. #911 #September11 #NeverForget #FDNY #Firefighter #911Anniversary #25YearsLater #NewYorkCity #Remembering911 #NBCTPalmSprings
A troubling history is coming to light in a Palm Desert husband’s death. 65-year old Vicky Kim is accused in the death of her husband — but prosecutors say she had previously faced several domestic violence cases involving him. The Riverside County District Attorney’s Office says it had secured protective orders against Kim before a judge later resolved her cases as misdemeanors, released her from custody and terminated those orders. Now, Kim is expected to be arraigned in connection with her husband’s death. Court records allege the weapon used was a flagpole.
☕️🔥 How hot is TOO hot? A new study finds that drinking scalding-hot beverages may be linked to nearly 3 times the risk of esophageal cancer—the most common type of cancer affecting the esophagus. The takeaway? Let that coffee, tea or other hot drink cool down before taking a sip. ❤️ #HealthNews #EsophagealCancer #CancerRisk #HotBeverages #Coffee #Tea #CancerAwareness #HealthyHabits #HealthTips
☕️ Social Time with Thalia & Jerry. The squishy craze!
Coachella city council unanimously approved an anti-nepotism rule that ban an any Councilmember from appointing a family member or household member to the city’s commissions and committees. Tune in to our 11 p.m newscast as our @newsbyalondra breaks down the policy.
An anti-nepotism rule will be discussed and voted on at tonight’s Coachella City Council meeting - that would ban city council members from appointing their own family members or household members to commissions and committees. Tune in to our 8:30 p.m newscast and our socials and website as our @newsbyalondra brings us the latest details on that final vote.