The Road to Sydney
Directed by Benito Bautista
Documentary | 100 Minutes | English and Tagalog | East Coast Premiere
- Saturday, Oct. 17, 12:00PM EST
- Emerson Paramount Center
- Followed by Q&A with Director
The Road to Sydney follows Philippine dance master and choreographer Sydney Loyola, who found refuge in dance after a childhood of bullying in Palawan. Now based in the San Francisco Bay Area, Sydney faces the painful realities of job loss and eviction following her gender transition and affirmation. Through courage and artistry, she embarks on a journey of healing, identity, and reconciliation with her estranged father.
Director’s Bio – Benito Bautista
Benito Bautista is a San Diego based Filipino filmmaker drawn to stories rooted in his community and the social issues that shape their lives. His work often highlights overlooked voices and cultural traditions, as seen in Harana: The Search for the Lost Art of Serenade, which won the Gawad Urian Award (Filipino Film Critics Award) for Best Documentary film, the Asian Network for Documentary Award at the Busan International Film Festival, and Audience Awards, including at CAAMFest and the Hawaii International Film Festival. His feature narrative BOUNDARY, which explores themes of corruption and socio-economic inequality, was honored with the NETPAC Award at the Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival.