Filipino queer drama to premiere at Tallinn Black Nights Film Fest

Photo from Petersen Vargas/X

A Filipino queer film is gearing up to make a mark on the global stage with its international premiere at the Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival this November. 

Directed by Petersen Vargas, “Some Nights I Feel Like Walking” is set to compete in the festival’s main category, which entails a significant milestone for the filmmaker. 

The “2 Cool 2 Be 4gotten” filmmaker couldn’t contain his excitement as he took to social media, exclaiming, “YOOO my next feature will have its WORLD PREMIERE in the main competition of Talinn Black Nights. My first A-list film festival HUOOOY!!!”

YOOO my next feature will have its WORLD PREMIERE in the main competition of Talinn Black Nights❤️‍🔥 My first A-list film festival HUOOOY!!!

SOME NIGHTS I FEEL LIKE WALKING’s official trailer is OUT NOW, exclusive on @Variety:https://t.co/nc4Vwp4NVr pic.twitter.com/jVPFgIK7c7

— Petersen 4-Ever (@petersenvargas) October 18, 2024

The film has already garnered support from prominent figures in the Philippine film industry, including acclaimed director Antoinette Jadaone. 

Known for her recent work with actress Maris Racal in the film “Sunshine,” which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival, Jadaone praised Vargas’ new project, sharing, “FINALLY!!!!!! Had a chance to see close to the final cut of this film… ANG GANDA. Happy that it’s finally having its world premiere. Congrats [Petersen Vargas]!!! Husay! Nakaka-excite!!!” 

FINALLY!!!!!!

Had a chance to see close to the final cut of this film… ANG GANDA. Happy that it’s finally having its world premiere. Congrats @petersenvargas!!! Husay! Nakaka-excite!!!

There’s a 15min (tama ba?) one long take of a very dynamic, emotional scene. I was 😱😱😱😭 https://t.co/WiX8tjNeca

— Toñet (@tonetjadaone) October 18, 2024

She even highlighted a standout moment in the film, describing a 15-minute, one-take emotional scene that left her in awe.

According to Variety, “Some Nights I Feel Like Walking” tells the story of a group of young street hustlers navigating the underworld of Manila as they set out to fulfill the dying wish of a close friend. 

With this film, Vargas steps away from his usual commercially driven projects, instead focusing on a more intimate, indie exploration of queer identities and the chosen families that emerge in unexpected places with cast Jomari Angeles, Tommy Alejandrino and Gold Aceron, alongside rising stars Miguel Odron and Argel Saycon.

As the characters form bonds while traveling through Manila’s streets and the open roads of the Philippines, the film promises a raw, emotional journey filled with dynamic performances.