As part of the 2027 cohort for the American Film Institute (AFI) Directing Workshop for Women+ (DWW+),
@bcatbagan will direct “Royal Blood,” a short film set in the Spanish-colonized Philippines in 1888.
Written by British Filipino filmmaker Andrea A. Walter, the historical drama reimagines Maria Clara through a queer lens and follows on-and-off lovers Victorina and Pepay as they prepare for a grand cotillion. Inspired by the 1988 film “Dangerous Liaisons,” according to Catbagan, “Royal Blood” will explore how Maria’s unexpected arrival will threaten Victorina and Pepay’s relationship.
Before its inclusion in AFI’s DWW+ program, Walter’s script had already received early recognition, including a University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) Department of Film Alumni Seed Grant, support from the Nevada Arts Council, and selection for the “Pitch, Please!” Competition at the Inside Out Toronto 2SLGBTQ+ Film Festival, sponsored by Netflix.
“When I think about babaylan, it shows how there were queer figureheads back in pre-colonial Philippines. I thought it was interesting that we’ve always had that in our nature—that’s something that’s always been very truly Filipino,” shares Catbagan, explaining what drew her to Walter’s script.
“It was about spinning the idealized image of Maria Clara,” she adds. “With ‘Royal Blood,’ I’m reimagining the historical figure of Maria Clara, not as an idealized symbol, but as a rebellious and dangerous woman.”
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@marts.agustin
#preenph
