Village Connect
OneUp Film Studios proudly announces that The Road to Sydney, the latest documentary by award-winning Filipino filmmaker Benito Bautista, has been officially selected for two major international platforms this November: the QCinema International Film Festival’s “Dokyu Days” program in the Philippines and the International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam (IDFA) Docs for Sale in the Netherlands.
Screening on November 18 at Eastwood Cinema 1 and November 19 at Gateway Cinema 18, The Road to Sydney marks its Philippine premiere at QCinema. The film tells the compelling story of Sydney Loyola—a trans woman, celebrated Philippine folk dance master, and choreographer—whose journey of identity, artistry, and resilience unfolds over eight years of production.
Born and raised in Puerto Princesa, Palawan, Sydney grew up facing bullying, discrimination, and physical abuse, including from her own father. Dance became her sanctuary, a refuge encouraged by her mother that would eventually lead her to perform with the renowned Bayanihan Dance Company. Later, she found a new home in the San Francisco Bay Area, where she built a career as a respected choreographer of Filipino folk dance.
But even in a place she hoped would be more accepting, Sydney encountered new challenges. Following her gender affirmation and transition, she experienced job loss and eviction from the same company that had once employed her—unexpected events that reshaped the trajectory of the documentary. Bautista captures Sydney’s struggle and healing as she seeks stability, reconnects with her artistic roots, and attempts reconciliation with her estranged father.
Complementing Sydney’s narrative are the stories of her friends—each navigating their own experiences with discrimination, transition, and triumph. Through these interwoven accounts, the film explores dance as a powerful form of self-expression that transcends gender, identity, and societal bias.
Following QCinema, the film team will travel to Puerto Princesa for a free community screening in partnership with Mayor Lucilo R. Bayron. This homecoming event brings together LGBTQ+ organizations, local schools, and community partners as part of the documentary’s impact campaign advocating for transgender rights and stronger family support for the trans community.
At IDFA Docs for Sale, the filmmakers aim to connect with global programmers, distributors, and industry partners to expand the film’s reach and impact.
The Road to Sydney is produced by Emma Francisco and executive producers Sonia Delen, Wendy Pascual, and Conrad “Radi” Calalang under OneUp Film Studios.
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