BARADIYA
Philippines | 2024 | 30 min.
A Talaandig-Manobo indigenous trans woman must uphold her community’s culture by becoming a Babaylan, a Filipino queer shaman. Amid the destruction of her ancestral land in Bukidnon, Philippines, she finds meaning in her ancestry and embraces her destiny.
The film tells Krystahl’s story as spiritual descendant of Baradiya Baradir Insawad Diman-diman, the mysterious, rarely-heard-of right hand of the creator Magbabaya, and epitome of human perfection.
It is a story of acceptance, as Krystahl embraces becoming a babaylan, her womanhood, and her destiny as a spiritual ancestor reborn in present day in Mt. Kalatungan.
Directed by
Gab Mejia, Miko Reyes, Datu Arayan, and David Loughran
Produced by
Kulahi Pangantucan Indigenous Performing Arts, Kyrstahl Guina, Sam Zarandin, JB Estrada, and Gab Mejia
Original Score by
Kulahi Pangantucan Indigenous Performing Arts and ((( O )))
Official Selections, Awards, and Exhibitions
National Museum of the Philippines 2024
Diwa Filipino Film Festival 2025
Visayas Art Fair 2025
Project Supported by
National Geographic Society
The Climate Pledge
UNESCO National Commision of the Philippines
Emerging Islands
