Baka Bukas

Alex (Jasmine Curtis-Smith) is a 23-year-old creative working in Manila as a freelance writer and art director. Openly lesbian to her tight-knit group of friends, Alex keeps her identity hidden from her traditional family. For years, she has been secretly and deeply in love with her childhood best friend, Jess (Louise delos Reyes), an ambitious rising television actress.

When Jess discovers that her longtime boyfriend is cheating on her, she turns to Alex for comfort. As the two spend increasingly intimate time together, the unspoken romantic tension between them erupts, culminating in an unexpected kiss. As Jess begins exploring her feelings, Alex must navigate the terrifying reality of risking a lifelong friendship for the chance at true love.

💡 Did you know?
Samantha Lee's Directorial Debut: Baka Bukas marked the feature directorial debut of queer Filipino filmmaker Samantha Lee, who would later go on to direct the acclaimed LGBTQ+ feature Billie and Emma (2018).

Best Actress Win at Cinema One: Jasmine Curtis-Smith won the Best Actress award at the 2016 Cinema One Originals Film Festival for her nuanced, quiet performance as Alex.

Pastel & Aesthetic Visual Style: The film became a cultural landmark in Philippine indie cinema for introducing a vibrant, pastel-hued visual aesthetic that stepped away from traditional dark, gritty indie tropes, replacing them with modern urban youth energy.

⭐ Film Evaluation & Ratings 📈
⭐ Global Critical & Audience Response: 7.0 / 10

Celebrated across Southeast Asian and international queer film circuits for its sweet, realistic depiction of contemporary youth culture in Manila and naturalistic lead performances.

🎨 Visual & Production Aesthetics: 7.8 / 10

Brian Redondo’s colorful, neon-tinged cinematography highlights Manila’s hipster night scenes, cozy creative studios, and intimate interior spaces.

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