Sassa Gurl stands proud at the center of “Multwoh"

Queer Filipinos deserve to be heard and are now rightfully taking their place on the center stage. This is what Sassa Gurl stands for as the lead actress in “Multwoh (Patay na Patay Sa’yo),” one of seven full-length entries in this year’s Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival.

“Multwoh” is an unabashed celebration of the emotional highs and lows of queer love. In it, Sassa Gurl plays Marcel, a college student who suddenly dies in their dorm. However, death is not the end. Marcel returns as a ghost, not to seek revenge, but to complete unfinished business: professing their love.

A STAR ON THE RISE

Sassa Gurl is no stranger to the spotlight. Her boldness, candor, and humor have made her a captivating presence on the small screen. Known for her vibrant personality, Sassa Gurl has been attracting widespread attention for years now. 

A key part in the “Drag Den” reality franchise as well as acting roles on “Wish Ko Lang” gave her a foot in the door on TV. Now her star is on the rise with roles on the big screen, in films such as “The Entitled,” “Balota,” and “Bar Boys: After School.” 

With “Multwoh,” Sassa Gurl channels her energy into a narrative that fosters her comedic prowess as well as her flair for drama. There’s plenty of room for laughs in “Multwoh,” but at the center of it is unspoken queer love in a society that makes it difficult to express. Sassa Gurl’s performance seeks to traverse those highs and lows and ground a spectacular plot in real, honest emotion.

TAKING THE LEAD AS A QUEER ACTOR

Sassa Gurl’s lead role is another major step towards queer visibility in local filmmaking. Working in tandem with Rodina Singh, Sassa’s performance captures the vibrant colors of the LGBTQIA+ experience in the Philippines. 

“Multwoh” is, quite unapologetically, a queer film told through the authentic voices of creators from the gay community. Sassa Gurl’s performance is thus seen as a major turn in her blossoming career—and a chance to express love as a queer person in the Philippines. 

“This story is my lived experience,” says Sassa Gurl. “Kaya ang pagaalaga ko kay Marcel, parang pagaalaga sa isang younger sister. Gusto kong ipaintindi at makita ng tao na ang klase ng pagkababae ni Marcel ay hindi lang lalaki ang nagpapaikot sa buhay niya.”

Sassa Gurl distinguishes herself in “Multwoh” with her courage for self-expression. It’s one thing to disappear into a character; it’s entirely another thing to stay true to one’s authentic self. It gives the role of Marcel a three-dimensional reality that stands out in the film.

“Hindi lang siya isang babaeng patay na patay sa lalaki. Sa pagmamahal niya at pagmamahal sa kaniya, she allowed herself to be human—and that's something I needed to commit to, as well,” says Sassa. “To be in love, to manifest what Marcel really is despite having grown up thinking na hindi ako kayang mahalin.”

SASSA GIVES LIFE TO “MULTWOH”

A college student’s ghost comes back to life to profess their love. A fantasy grounded in the painful “what ifs” that we carry from day to day. All of these are made real and palpable, thanks to Sassa Gurl’s prodigious talents, her collaborators in the cast, and the razor sharp direction of Rodina Singh. It’s a performance that demands to be seen to be believed.

“Multwoh (Patay na Patay Sa’yo)” screens as part of the Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival from September 23 to October 4 at Gateway Cineplex 18, TriNoma, Fairview Terraces, Ayala Malls Feliz, Ayala Malls Circuit, Ayala Malls Manila Bay and Market! Market!