How 'The Matrix' and Jude Bacalso controversy inspired 'Dreamboi' film

"Lala Sotto was actually quite supportive," Singh recalled.

- By JANUAR JUNIOR AGUJA

"I was surprised because we had never met before our meeting. She said that she isn't transphobic, so I had the opportunity to defend our film. They told us to remove the sex scenes in accordance with MTRCB's immoral code, which was made during the Marcos Sr. era. If we want this controversy to be more fruitful, just remove those sexual act provisions within the immoral code."

- Influences -

"Dreamboi" is an encapsulation of the anxieties Singh faced as a trans woman, tackling topics from news of murdered trans women like Jennifer Laude to the de-transitioning of internet personality Maria Sofia Love. The film makes use of third-person perspective scenes through CCTV footage, which is Singh's way of saying that trans individuals are always viewed under a microscopic lens.

"Growing up, the closest thing to watching trans people on TV was their CCTV footage moments before they die," Singh said.

Another influence on the film is "The Matrix," created by The Wachowskis, who later explained the story as allegories for their trans experiences.

"When I watched it as a kid, I didn't get it at first. I thought it was too macho. But when I finally watched it after I transitioned, I understood what the film is all about. It's about having to 'hack the code' for us trans folks to survive this harsh reality. We need to navigate our fantasies and bring them to life," Singh said. "This is basically me responding to the Wachowskis, from the Philippines, that I understood the code and I am making a film out of it."