Jennifer Laude docu wins in Toronto LGBT fest

“Call Her Ganda”

PJ Raval’s “Call Her Ganda” won the best documentary audience award at the Inside Out LGBT Film Festival held in Toronto, Canada last June 4.

Raval’s docu revisits the case of Filipino transgender woman Jennifer Laude, who was murdered by US marine Scott Pemberton in Olongapo four years ago.

The Filipino-American filmmaker told the Inquirer: “It’s quite an honor! I believe it’s the only award Inside Out gives to a feature documentary, and it is selected by the audience.”

He quipped: “To have film viewers themselves choose ‘Call Her Ganda’ as the best documentary is really a huge honor and all of us are touched knowing that Jennifer’s story is resonating with audiences worldwide.”

Raval summed it up as “an amazing night, an amazing festival…a wonderful experience.”

According to its website, the fest that was established in 1991 “exists to challenge attitudes and change lives through the promotion and exhibition of films and videos made by and about lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans people of all ages, races and abilities.”—BAYAN SAN DIEGO JR.

Julita Laude, Jennifer’s mom

“Call Her Ganda”