Film Movement has acquired U.S. rights to Seán Devlin’s docudrama Asog exposing a land grab by developers on the Philippines’ picturesque Sicogan Island in the wake of a devastating super-tycoon.
Mixing fictionalized and documentary elements, the work stars Filipino transgender comedian Rey “Jaya” Aclao, who takes a student on a road trip to a drag competition.
Along the way, they encounter survivors of a destructive tycoon, who are caught between the twin threats of corporate greed and climate change.
Film Movement will give the work a limited theatrical run beginning in the spring, with screenings powered by crowdsourced platforms Gathr and Demand.Film.
Following its theatrical release, Asog will be available for VOD and leading digital outlets beginning April 11, 2025.
Based on true events on Sicogan Island, Asog exposes a corporate land grab that took place in the wake of the 2013 super tycoon Haiyan by Ayala Land Inc., the Philippines’ oldest corporation and real estate developer, which displaced 700 families.
Featuring a cast made up entirely of Haiyan survivors, none of whom were trained actors, the docudrama tells a compelling story of resistance, survival, and hope as the community fights to regain its land and contributed to international pressure on Ayala Land Inc.
Produced by Amanda Ernst, the film’s executive producers include Academy Award-winning filmmaker Adam McKay (The Big Short), Emmy Award-winning actor Alan Cumming (Eyes Wide Shut), and Emmy nominee Joel Kim Booster (Fire Island).
“When I first saw Asog, I was floored by the world the film took me into, the depth of the artistry, and the feelings I experienced for characters on the other side of the planet. This is a special movie and Seán is a uniquely original filmmaker” said McKay.
Cumming added: “Asog is the film we need right now. It is full of such passion and urgency and humor and love that it gurgles out of the screen and into your soul. I want every single person I know and many, many I don’t to see this thing of scarred beauty and queer, savage joy.”
Asog is Canadian Filipino director Devlin’s second feature work after When The Storm Fades, set in the immediate aftermath of Haiyan.
Devlin is also a Juno-nominated comedian who took consulting producer credits on the Oscar-nominated Borat: Subsequent Moviefilm.
“Working on Asog has been both a privilege and a profound challenge; it’s a film born from the collective efforts of a small passionate team of just 6 people” said Devlin.
“This is more than just a film – it is a vital tool for advocacy, and we believe that through continued exposure, the injustices faced by the residents of Sicogon Island will not be forgotten. We’re excited to partner with Film Movement to bring Asog to a broader audience.”
The release of Asog will be accompanied by a digital distribution campaign aimed at raising awareness for the ongoing struggles of the Sicogon Island residents.
“Asog is an extraordinary achievement, a film that both defies classification and resonates with audiences in many ways,“ said Film Movement President Rosenberg.
“From working with a cast made up entirely of untrained actors to addressing significant issues of social injustice, Sean has raised the bar on docudramas, and we’re excited to share it with US audiences this April.”
Further recent Film Movement acquisitions include Sook-Yin Lee’s Paying For It, Scandar Copti’s Happy Holidays and Leonardo Van Dijl’s tennis drama Julie Keeps Quiet.
