2018,
Filipino,
Jennifer Laude,
Meredith Talusan,
Philippines,
Director: PJ Raval
Release Year: 2018
Synopsis:
"Call Her Ganda", a 2018 documentary directed by PJ Raval, examines the tragic murder of Jennifer Laude, a Filipina trans woman, at the hands of U.S. Marine Joseph Scott Pemberton. The film follows the aftermath of this heinous act, delving into the legal, social, and political challenges that arose as three women—Virgie Suarez, an activist lawyer; Meredith Talusan, a transgender journalist; and Julita "Nanay" Laude, Jennifer’s mother—worked to pursue justice for Jennifer and bring attention to the larger issues of transphobia, U.S. imperialism, and the struggle for human rights.
In October 2014, Joseph Scott Pemberton, stationed in the Philippines as part of a U.S. military presence, met Jennifer Laude in Olongapo City. The two went to a hotel, but Jennifer was later found brutally murdered. Pemberton was arrested, and the case seemed initially straightforward. However, what followed was a convoluted legal battle that exposed deep-rooted tensions between the Philippines and the United States, raising uncomfortable questions about the privileges and protections afforded to U.S. military personnel under the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA), a treaty that governs the presence of American troops in the country.
The documentary takes viewers on a poignant journey through these struggles, shedding light on the broader implications of Jennifer Laude’s death, not just as a tragedy for her family, but as a symbol of the systemic issues facing the Filipino transgender community and the legacy of colonialism that still affects the nation. Through its exploration of the case, "Call Her Ganda" grapples with themes of transphobia, justice, and the broader political context of U.S.-Philippines relations.
On the night of Jennifer Laude’s murder, she and Pemberton went to a hotel room, where Pemberton later left alone, and Jennifer’s body was found by a friend in the bathroom. While the facts of the case seemed clear, the ensuing trial revealed the complexities that arose due to the political and cultural context. Pemberton's legal defense claimed that he killed Jennifer in self-defense, asserting that he had been deceived and sexually assaulted upon realizing that Jennifer was a trans woman. The defense’s statements were drenched in transphobia, as they repeatedly misgendered Jennifer, referring to her by her birth name, "Jeffrey," and using male pronouns.
As the case unfolded, it became clear that the murder was part of a larger issue involving the U.S. military presence in the Philippines and the historical patterns of violence and exploitation associated with American imperialism. "Call Her Ganda" highlights how the Visiting Forces Agreement allowed Pemberton to remain in U.S. custody, even as the Filipino courts struggled to assert their jurisdiction. This agreement, which grants American military personnel legal protections while stationed in the Philippines, has been a controversial tool for ensuring that crimes committed by U.S. troops go unpunished in the local legal system. Before Pemberton’s trial, no American soldier had ever been convicted in a Filipino court, and the documentary vividly explores the ways in which the agreement perpetuates injustice.
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At the heart of "Call Her Ganda" are the powerful voices of those who fought for justice on Jennifer’s behalf. Virgie Suarez, a lawyer and activist, and Meredith Talusan, a transgender journalist, both deeply connected to Jennifer’s story, become central figures in the film. Their involvement in the case highlights the intersection of trans rights, legal battles, and broader social issues. Talusan, in particular, brings a personal connection to the story, as a transgender woman who identifies with Jennifer and understands the unique struggles faced by transgender people in the Philippines. Suarez’s legal strategy emphasizes the need for accountability in the face of political and legal obstacles, while Talusan provides valuable insight into the media's role in shaping public perception and advocating for marginalized communities.
The film also offers intimate moments with Jennifer’s mother, Julita Laude, who, despite the immense pain of losing her daughter, becomes a tireless advocate for justice. Her portrayal in the documentary is one of the most moving aspects of the film, as her love for her daughter and her determination to see justice served shine through. Julita, or "Nanay," as she is affectionately known, epitomizes the love and grief of a mother who refuses to let her child’s death be forgotten.
The documentary also brings attention to the broader transgender community in the Philippines, which galvanized in response to Jennifer’s murder. Transgender individuals and allies rallied for justice, demanding recognition of their rights and visibility in the face of widespread discrimination. These protests and the subsequent media attention helped shed light on the challenges faced by transgender people in the country, where hate crimes and discrimination were rampant.
Beyond the immediate legal case, "Call Her Ganda" raises important questions about the legacy of U.S. imperialism in the Philippines and how it intersects with the treatment of transgender people. The murder of Jennifer Laude is framed not only as a personal tragedy but as part of a larger pattern of violence and exploitation tied to American military presence in the region. Raval carefully examines how the United States, through its military and economic power, has historically imposed its will on the Philippines, often disregarding the rights and sovereignty of the Filipino people.
The film also critiques the ways in which U.S. military personnel have been historically shielded from justice through the VFA. This agreement, which was intended to promote military cooperation between the two countries, has instead become a mechanism for protecting American soldiers from accountability in cases such as Jennifer Laude’s. Raval effectively illustrates how this power dynamic perpetuates inequality and injustice, particularly for vulnerable populations such as transgender individuals.
In addition, the film confronts the pervasive transphobia that Jennifer Laude faced, not just from Pemberton’s defense team, but from larger societal attitudes. The defense’s portrayal of Jennifer as a "deceived" man plays into harmful stereotypes about transgender people and reinforces the idea that their identities are not valid or deserving of respect. This transphobia is compounded by the colonial history between the United States and the Philippines, where the power dynamics between the two nations have often left marginalized groups, like transgender Filipinos, without recourse or recognition.
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Despite its shortcomings in exploring Jennifer’s life in greater detail, "Call Her Ganda" is a significant and powerful documentary that calls attention to the injustices faced by transgender individuals and the systemic issues that contribute to their suffering. The film’s title, which translates to "Call Her Beautiful" in Tagalog, is a tribute to Jennifer Laude’s life and legacy, and a demand that her murder not be forgotten. The documentary leaves viewers with a sobering reminder of the continuing struggles for trans rights and the importance of holding perpetrators of violence accountable, no matter their nationality or status.
Through its focus on Jennifer Laude’s story, "Call Her Ganda" serves as a rallying cry for justice, equality, and the recognition of transgender people as full and valued members of society. The film underscores the need for systemic change, both within the legal system and in the larger societal attitudes toward transgender individuals. In doing so, it challenges audiences to confront the ongoing violence and discrimination faced by transgender people, while also questioning the broader political forces that contribute to their marginalization.
In the end, "Call Her Ganda" is not just a film about one woman’s tragic death; it is a call to action for all those who believe in justice, human rights, and the dignity of every individual. Through the voices of those who loved Jennifer Laude and fought for her memory, the documentary makes a poignant statement about the importance of recognizing the humanity of transgender people and the need for accountability in the face of hate.
Image credits: YouTube
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