In 2022, in the Philippines, the digital release of Sleep With Me buzzed all over social media starring two high-profile mainstream actresses Lovi Poe and Janine Gutierrez. With the high anticipation of this series, produced by Dreamscape Entertainment and directed by Samantha Lee, who is also known as the director of the queer films, Baka Bukas and Billie and Emma, enthusiastic fans of queer-centric films and shows expressed support for the project.
The miniseries revolves around two characters—a woman who suffers from a sleep disorder and a DJ who badly needs a wheelchair—and the romantic connections they have with each other.
Along with the fan-based community, LGBTQIA+ narratives’ roaring success in storytelling, from the pool of different and diverse BL films and series, creates their own space in mainstream media and sets up a genre trope that purposely exhibits, advocates, and makes representation of the queer community. While the girls’ love genre, although still underrepresented in the Philippines’ film artistry, has made its gradual appearance in the industry for longer than we know.
In the same light, on Netflix, released a new lesbian series called First Kill, starring Sarah Catherine Hook and Imani Lewis that shows the love story of a vampire, Juliette and a vampire hunter, Calliope. Because of their upbringing, the couple has to overcome a series of challenges and obstacles, like family and reputation, in order to keep their relationship alive.
Before we start rounding up a list of films and series across the globe that we love, the term sapphic will be thrown a lot in this list, so let’s define it first. Sapphic is a term to describe the relationship of between two women.
Here are some proudly Filipino and a number of international sapphic films and television series that we can revisit, watch, enjoy, and learn from:
BILLIE AND EMMA (2018)
This independent film, directed by Samantha Lee, highlights the narrative of two young teens, Billie and Emma, who are just like everyone else, trying to figure out who they are. While their friendship blooms into a special kind of attraction, the film tackles sensitive yet essential topics to be discussed, such as sexuality, teen pregnancy, and the complexities of religion.
The story begins with Billie, a new transferee student at the all-girls Catholic school where she meets the popular and intelligent Emma, who is acting recklessly and is perceived as irresponsible by her parents. While the mere reason for the decision to put Billie in this conservative school is to control and to make her attitude and behavior more refined or more acceptable for her parents’ perception, there’s the undeniable underlying intention to change her gender identity. After ending up as project partners on a school requirement, the two get to know each other on a deeper level.
BAKA BUKAS (2016)
The best friend trope might be a familiar film and narrative trope, but it is not just the case for this film. Baka Bukas is another masterpiece from filmmaker Samantha Lee that magnifies a queer-centric narrative. The film tells a love story between Alex and Jess, who were once best friends but began to have a more intimate relationship. However, the path leading to this love affair didn’t come easily.
Their friendship was tested and they had to face their difficulties when Alex, who had first been secretly in love with Jess, was outed by Jess’ ex girlfriend and not on her own terms. Fortunately, Jess reciprocated this feeling, and they ended up being romantically together. But, the conflict and trials didn’t stop for them. When Jess has to hide their relationship to protect her own career as an actress, this causes her relationship with Alex to be fumbled, placing it in a more problematic state.
T-BIRD AT AKO (1982)
This 1982 film, starring two of the most celebrated actresses of of the country, Vilma Santos and Nora Aunor, narrates the story of a hard-headed lawyer named Sylvia Santos, played by Aunor, who lands on a case of a local dancer named Sabel, played by Santos, who’s been accused of a homicide. During the whole process of the case’s investigation, the two protagonists find themselves in a warm attachment to one another, a closeness that grows and soon pushes Sylvia to develop more intimate feelings towards Sabel.
SI CHEDENG AT SI APPLE (2017)
Identities’ enlightenment has no set timeline, just like how love and the course of finding it takes time and courage. This unconventionally structured yet comedic film narrates the story of two women, Chedeng and Apple, who have a close relationship, initially as best friends. Chedeng is a 66-year-old woman who’s finally had a grip on her true identity after the death of her husband. In her husband’s wake, she decided to come out of the closet as a lesbian and is now determined to find her past girlfriend.
Apple, the best friend of Chedeng, is 63 years old and was abused by her husband, which led her to defend herself in a rage, ending up murdering him. After all of this chaos, the two finally get their freedom from their old circular life. Starting their journey together, Apple accompanies Chedeng on her voyage to find her ex-girlfriend while running away from law enforcement.
ANG HULING CHACHA NI ANITA (2013)
Finding one’s identity is the thematic story development of this film. Anita, the main character of the story, is a young girl who realizes the fondness she has for Pilar, a new adult woman in the town of Obando, Bulacan. This young admiration blossoms during the Fiesta of Santa Clara, which displays the rural culture and community of the place.
With the innocence and wonder that Anita experienced, she eventually undergoes the sexual awakening that a 12-year-old girl didn’t expect to have, emphasizing the purity and sincerity of the childhood affection.
PEARL NEXT DOOR (2020)
After the huge success of the boys’ love series Gameboys, the creators chose to put out this spin-off GL series, Pearl Next Door, that forwards the Gameboys universe. This eight-episode web series highlights the well-loved character from the said BL series, Pearl, and her journey to find her one true love.
Just like every other triad love story, Pearl eventually finds herself in the midst of an important decision to make. Pearl became entangled in a love triangle with Karleen, her best friend, and Alex, her former childhood friend who was revealed to have a crush on her; the two should now compete for Pearl’s attention so that Pearl can ultimately choose in their favor.
ROME AND JULIET (2006)
A journey to find your soulmate and true love may not come handily, and this is what the film Romeo and Juliet emphasizes. At an unexpected time, Juliet, a conservative teacher who’s planning her wedding with her fiancé Marc, meets Rome, who’s also their wedding planner. Built by a spark of connection and friendship, Rome and Juliet end up having controversial intimate relations that lead to a tragic and unfortunate event befalling the two. With the shocking discovery, Marc’s reaction and attack is to come out and expose the relationship to the public, bringing more conflicts to their careers and health.
Dramatic but encouraging, this film musters the idea that love conquers all, and similarly, like how the Shakespearean well-known story ends, this film proves that the sincere love that two true soulmates might have for each other was bonded and beyond the distractions and disturbances of the world.
BETCIN (2021)
This romantic comedy series focuses on the relationship of a social media celebrity love team, Beth and Cindy, or often called BetCin, who are on the verge of breaking up. However, it is not just their own feelings and personal situations that they should consider, but also their followers’.
The couple was contemplating how to inform their fans when they received an invitation informing them that they were semi-finalists in a competition in which they should be acting like they had the #RelationshipGoals. In terms of wanting and needing the 10 million cash prize, the two should now pretend that they have the best and most ideal relationship in front of their supporters, not knowing how and when this performance will end.
FLUID (2020)
This is another sapphic series that explores the idea of sexuality and its fluidity by following the story of Mitch. After getting hurt by her past having a fresh wound from her latest break-up, Mitch declares that she had enough with men. After becoming tired of all the previous disappointments, especially after meeting a woman named George, Mitch began to explore her sexuality. However, the plot becomes more complicated when Mitch’s ex-boyfriend comes into the picture and tries to win her back, leaving Mitch in a perplexed state.
THE RICH MAN’S DAUGHTER (2015)
Being born into a traditional Chinese-Filipino family with wealth and a prestigious name may not be easy, especially when you experience a mid-life rediscovery of yourself and your sexuality. This is what GMA’s drama series navigates with its plot, revolving around Jade, the daughter of a rich family. Jade, who had a planned future with her long-term boyfriend and soon-to-be fiancé, David, was caught off guard when she met Althea, her brother’s openly gay wedding party coordinator.
Eventually, the two develop an intimate relationship that must be kept secret from Jade’s controlling and traditional family, who are constantly defending their privileged name.
CAROL (2015)
The film starts with Therese (portrayed by Rooney Mara) who works at a department store on Christmas Eve. Her eyes find Carol (portrayed by Cate Blanchett). She sees Therese and decides to go to her booth. The two women start talking, and both seem to get more curious about each other.
Their story is a good example of how men always try to take a hold of their women, as if women cannot survive this world without men. Just a heads-up, there are hints of homophobia throughout the movie, so viewer discretion is advised.
Portrait of a Lady on Fire (2019)
This French film is a stunningly beautiful motion picture. Every frame could stand alone as a painting in a museum, which is fitting for the characters in this film. Marianne (portrayed as Noemie Merlant) is a painter hired for a portrait commission. She is tasked to paint Heloise (portrayed by Adele Haenel), a girl from the convent arranged to be married to a man from Milan. As they meet, they both venture into the world of love, jealousy, and anguish.
This film is a tragedy worth watching. Marianne and Heloise’s relationship will hurt you to the very core. But their love for each other will inspire you to love despite its repercussions.
Imagine Me and You (2005)
If you’re tired of getting disappointed and frustrated with sad endings, then this movie is for you. Rachel meets Luce on her own wedding day. Luce is apparently the wedding’s florist and Rachel immediately takes a liking to her. After some coincidental meetings, the two women get closer and closer to each other, until it gets to the point that Rachel starts questioning her marriage and her sexuality.
This film takes you along the yearning and the pining, and you know it just hits different when it’s both women. Rachel and Luce’s love story is a good watch for those who just want to see two women fall genuinely and sincerely in love.
The Half of It (2020)
The Half of It is a film about a teenager who has always been secretly in love with the popular girl. Ellie Chu is a straight-A student who makes money by doing her schoolmates’ homework. Aster Flores is the popular girl but not like the ones that bully the nerd or go to parties in every single opportunity they get. Their fates meet when Paul Munsky, who claims to be in love with Aster, pays Ellie to write her a love letter.
The story of this film is unlike that of any other coming-of-age movies. The Half of It is a drama that might hit close to home for hopeless romantic sapphics. The secret glances and hidden admiration, it’s those things that every sapphic will surely relate to.
Dickinson (2019-2022)
This series is based on the famous American poet, Emily Dickinson, streaming on Apple TV. Portrayed by Hailee Steinfeld, Emily is a budding poet struggling to find her way into the world of poetry and literature in America. The series walks you through the process of her writing, fighting against societal expectations and her own thoughts and emotions.
Enter Sue Gilbert, portrayed by Ella Hunt, Emily Dickinson’s love interest. Emily often writes poetry for Sue and Sue is her first avid reader. The good thing is that their relationship is explicitly shown in the series despite it being set in the 19th century, a conservative time in American history. Heads up! The series show sexual scenes to present their romantic relationship. All in all, this series is a great sapphic representation and it is a good starting point if you want to binge-watch films and series that feature women loving women.
The Haunting of Bly Manor (2020)
Sapphic fans of the supernatural horror genre, rejoice! The Haunting of Bly Manor is a horror series that features a sapphic relationship and sapphic characters. The series has the typical haunting-house trope, with the protagonist Dani (portrayed by Victoria Pedretti) being the victim to the manor’s horrific past. Dani is tasked to be the caregiver of two kids, Flora and Miles Wingrave, who are residing in the Bly manor.
One of the workers in the manor is Jamie, the gardener. Dani and Jamie’s relationship started to bud late in the series but their relationship is established. The series isn’t exactly centered in their love story and it’s still good to see a sapphic representation in the horror genre.
Nevertheless (2021)
Being a K-drama, it is very rare to see a sapphic, let alone an LGBTQIA+ representation featured in the series. Nevertheless, became an exception to this rather conservative stereotype that we have of k-dramas. Seo Ji Wan and Yoon Sol are childhood friends and classmates in the art school they are both enrolled in. Both girls have been friends for a long time, but one of them is secretly in love with the other.
The two girls’ relationship develops as the series continues on. Albeit the censorship in Korea makes it hard for their relationship to be explicit, Yoon Sol and Seo Ji Wan’s treatment to each other is very obviously romantic, particularly in the drama’s ending. SolJiwan, the ship name of the couple, is not the main couple of the drama but their existence in a Korean drama is a breakthrough and a milestone for LGBTQIA+ representation in more k-dramas to come.
Atypical (2017-2021)
Sam, the main character of the Netflix series Atypical, is medically diagnosed with autism. With the help of his family and friends, Sam tries to take on the world of the neurotypical, being the atypical himself. As you could guess, Sam is not the sapphic one here, but his sister Casey.
In the first two seasons, Casey does not show much evidence of being a sapphic, but cue the third season, she meets Izzie, a teammate in her new school’s track team. As the two spend time with each other, feelings start to develop and the two become closer than friends.
This is another series in which the sapphic characters are not the main characters. However, it’s still nice to see a sapphic relationship be featured and normalized in films and series of the modern day.
One step at a time, sapphic representations are finally being shown in the local and international roster of films and series. Let’s hope that the exposure to the LGBTQIA+ community continues to grow and be present in media and in a society that is slowly broadening its perception of gender and sexuality.