Sine Kabataan film ‘4 Better or 4 Worse’ sheds light on trans struggles

Sine Kabataan film ‘4 Better or 4 Worse’ sheds light on trans struggles

SINEGANG.ph published this press release as sponsored by 4 Better or 4 Worse. No staff writer participated in writing this article.

Sine Kabataan entry 4 Better or 4 Worse brings to light a raw and timely story about survival, chosen family, and the trans community’s fight for dignity in the Philippines.

The short film follows Jennifer, a hard woman, who undergoes a rushed, unplanned transition to escape her abuser. It also tells the story of her friends, Barbara, Tintoy, and Bianca, as they confront their fears and uphold a vow to the person Jennifer once was.

“This is a story about chosen family,” said director Ronjay Mendiola. “It’s about the friends who will fight for you when you can’t fight for yourself, who will put everything on the line to give you a second chance at life.”

The film depicts the realities of trans women in the Philippines, where access to safe healthcare is often a privilege rather than a right, and beauty pageants become not just a stage for crowns but a means of survival.

Mendiola was inspired by a late friend, who tragically passed away due to complications from unregulated HRT, and the film serves as both a tribute and a reimagining—a chance to give life and hope to a story cut short in reality.

“For me, it’s also a way to honor my late friend who inspired this project. To give her the love, support, and survival she deserved,” Mendiola said.

The cast includes Alon Sinag as Jennifer, Ronjaé Realubin as Tintoy, Gerson Raven as Bianca, and Pau Gutierrez as Barbara. 

“I am fortunate to have many transgender friends who are vibrant, playful, and resilient, yet beneath their humor lies a daily struggle often unseen by society,” Mendiola said.

“Trans people deserve more than tolerance. They deserve to be celebrated and supported for who they truly are. Through this film, I want their fight and their dreams to be seen,” he added.

4 Better or 4 Worse is an official finalist at the Sine Kabataan Short Film Festival 2025, which runs from September 5 to 7 at the Red Carpet Cinemas, Shangri-La Plaza, Mandaluyong. Screenings are free and open to the public.

Full Credits:

Producer: Maricris Conde

Line Producer: Micah Joy Morales

Associate Producers: Lorielyn Belmonte, Amelia Llamado, YouMeUs MNL

Director of Photography: Edrian Cabudbud

Assistant Directors: Gilmar Sioco, Rafaela Abucejo

Editors: Catherine Acob, Alfrancis Fiolog

Production Design Core Team: Janzel Faith Lobaton, Nico Noblejas, Angelo Puno

Musical Composers: Karla Sumulong, Jhon Ronel Franquia

Musical Score: Francis Deungria

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