Act Like A Woman

2018, Angel Qinan, English, Philippines,

Director: Drama Del Rosario
Release Year: 2018

Synopsis:

In 2018, the documentary "Act Like A Woman" by Drama Del Rosario brought to light the compelling and heart-wrenching journey of Angel Qinan, a Filipina transgender woman striving to make it as an actress in Hollywood. The film captures the complex intersections of gender identity, cultural expectations, and the elusive nature of the American Dream, particularly in an industry like Hollywood, where standards of beauty and representation often exclude marginalized voices.

 

At its core, "Act Like A Woman" is not just about Angel’s pursuit of fame or her struggle with rejection. It is an exploration of the barriers that transgender women, especially those who are “too transgender,” face in an industry that prides itself on appearance and passability. Angel’s story is a testament to the resilience of transgender individuals in a world that constantly tries to mold them into conventional norms, but also a poignant narrative about the courage it takes to live authentically, even when society and loved ones struggle to accept it. Angel Qinan, who emigrated from the Philippines to the United States with dreams of becoming a nurse, soon realized that her true passion lay not in healthcare but in the art of acting. Hollywood, with its glittering promise of fame and success, beckoned to her as a place where she could live out her ambitions. However, after arriving in the City of Angels, Angel discovered the harsh realities that awaited her. Despite her hard work and determination, she found herself in a constant battle against invisible forces that seemed intent on keeping her from breaking into the acting world. Her journey into the film industry took an unexpected turn when she began to understand why she wasn’t being booked for roles. According to industry standards, Angel’s appearance—her facial features, her voice, her mannerisms—were deemed “too transgender” for the roles she auditioned for. In an industry that rewards “passable” women, Angel’s gender identity became a hindrance, rather than a point of pride. 

 

The concept of being a “passable” woman is a central issue in "Act Like A Woman". For transgender individuals, particularly trans women, the pressure to conform to traditional standards of femininity—where physical appearance is heavily scrutinized—is often overwhelming. In the world of Hollywood, the idea of passability often involves a narrow, rigid framework of beauty that not only excludes people of color but also trans women who do not fit into conventional gender norms. Angel’s struggle in this regard speaks to a larger issue within the film industry: the lack of authentic representation of transgender people. Transgender characters are often relegated to secondary roles or portrayed in a way that emphasizes their transition rather than their personhood. Moreover, there is a pervasive belief that trans women must look “like real women” to be accepted in the industry—an issue that Angel encounters firsthand. Hollywood, with all its promises of opportunity, failed to see beyond Angel’s transgender identity, instead defining her by it and dismissing her talents because she did not meet the narrowly defined standards of beauty that would make her “sellable” to audiences.

 

While Angel faced systemic rejection from the film industry, perhaps the most painful rejection came from her own mother, who could not accept Angel’s identity as a transgender woman. This aspect of the documentary adds a layer of personal anguish to Angel’s story, as the love and support of family is often a crucial component in navigating the complex world of identity and self-acceptance. Her mother’s inability to accept her transgender identity serves as a stark reminder of the deeply rooted cultural attitudes toward gender and sexuality in both the Philippines and in the United States. The disconnect between Angel’s pursuit of self-expression and her mother’s conservative views highlights the generational and cultural gaps that many transgender individuals face within their families and communities. The hurt and disappointment Angel feels when her mother rejects her for who she is adds an emotional depth to the documentary, reminding the audience that the road to self-acceptance is often fraught with both external and internal challenges.

 

Despite the rejections and difficulties she faced, "Act Like A Woman" also showcases Angel’s journey toward self-acceptance. Over time, she learns that Hollywood’s narrow standards of beauty and femininity are not the measure of her worth. Her path toward self-love is not linear, but it is profound, as she begins to reject society's expectations and, instead, embraces her authentic self. Angel’s journey is one of reclaiming her identity and her power, refusing to be limited by the industry’s superficial standards. Through her experiences, Angel challenges the stereotypes surrounding transgender women and highlights the importance of broader representation in Hollywood. Her story is a reminder that transgender people are more than their gender identity or how they conform to societal expectations of gender presentation. "Act Like A Woman" emphasizes the need for more inclusive and diverse narratives in film, where transgender individuals are not simply “transgender characters,” but fully realized people with agency, complexity, and depth.

 

Directed by Drama Del Rosario, "Act Like A Woman" benefits from the filmmaker’s unique perspective and sensitivity to the issues of identity, sexuality, and cultural conflict. Del Rosario, a BAFTA award-winning filmmaker originally from the Philippines, has become known for his personal, socially conscious documentaries that push boundaries and challenge traditional norms. With his own background as a queer Filipino man, Del Rosario brings an intimate understanding of the intersectionality at play in Angel’s story. Del Rosario’s approach to filmmaking is deeply empathetic. Rather than focusing solely on the pain and struggles of the subject, he presents a balanced narrative that also celebrates moments of resilience and strength. His documentaries—such as "I'm Okay (And Neither Are You)" and "In This Family"—tackle difficult subjects like sexual assault and coming out, and "Act Like A Woman" is no exception in its exploration of complex themes of gender identity, family, and self-expression. Through his work, Del Rosario continues to challenge conservative views on gender and sexuality, offering a more nuanced portrayal of LGBTQ+ individuals. By telling Angel’s story, he offers a platform for marginalized voices and underscores the importance of representation both behind and in front of the camera.

 

"Act Like A Woman" is more than just the story of one woman’s journey to self-acceptance; it is a call for greater inclusivity and representation in Hollywood. The documentary speaks to the need for more diverse stories, particularly those of transgender individuals, who have long been excluded from mainstream media and entertainment. The film is a powerful reminder that transgender women, like Angel Qinan, deserve to be seen as multi-dimensional individuals, capable of achieving their dreams and overcoming adversity. As Hollywood slowly begins to embrace more inclusive narratives, "Act Like A Woman" stands as an important document of the struggles transgender individuals face in the entertainment industry and beyond. It is a testament to the perseverance of people like Angel, who, despite the obstacles in their way, continue to fight for their place in a world that is often reluctant to make room for them. In the end, "Act Like A Woman" is not just a film about Angel Qinan’s quest to become an actress. It is a celebration of self-discovery, a critique of societal norms, and a powerful call for empathy, understanding, and equality in all spheres of life.

 

"Act Like A Woman" (2018) is an essential documentary that offers an intimate, poignant portrayal of the struggles faced by transgender individuals in the pursuit of their dreams. Angel Qinan’s journey from being a rejected actress in Hollywood to finding self-acceptance is not just her own—it is the story of countless transgender people who face discrimination, marginalization, and invisibility. Through the lens of Drama Del Rosario’s sensitive filmmaking, the documentary captures the complexity of identity, family, and the determination to live one’s truth despite the odds. In doing so, it calls for a more inclusive, empathetic world where transgender individuals can be celebrated for who they truly are.

 

via: youtube

dramadelrosario.com
imdb.com 

Image credits: YouTube