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When Bianca Catbagan (@bcatbagan) earned a place at the @AmericanFilmInstitute Directing Workshop for Women+, she joined a legacy that includes poet Maya Angelou, actor Ellen Burstyn, and Academy Award-winning auteur Siân Heder. All, and hundreds more, developed films with AFI-DWW+ in Los Angeles.

At this year’s Workshop, Catbagan turns her lens back home. Her film 'Royal Blood' will follow two queer lovers preparing for a ball in 1888 Philippines. There, an enigmatic attendee, Maria, unleashes forbidden passions, and poses an existential threat to the couple’s bond.

At the link in our bio, #BiancaCatbagan talks about filmmaking, shooting LA as Old Manila, and reimagining Maria Clara through a queer lens.

Photographs by @isaac_inocentes, interview by @laurel.flores.fantauzzo

When Bianca Catbagan (@bcatbagan) earned a place at the @AmericanFilmInstitute Directing Workshop for Women+, she joined a legacy that includes poet Maya Angelou, actor Ellen Burstyn, and Academy Award-winning auteur Siân Heder. All, and hundreds more, developed films with AFI-DWW+ in Los Angeles.

At this year’s Workshop, Catbagan turns her lens back home. Her film 'Royal Blood' will follow two queer lovers preparing for a ball in 1888 Philippines. There, an enigmatic attendee, Maria, unleashes forbidden passions, and poses an existential threat to the couple’s bond.

At the link in our bio, #BiancaCatbagan talks about filmmaking, shooting LA as Old Manila, and reimagining Maria Clara through a queer lens.

Photographs by @isaac_inocentes, interview by @laurel.flores.fantauzzo

When Bianca Catbagan (@bcatbagan) earned a place at the @AmericanFilmInstitute Directing Workshop for Women+, she joined a legacy that includes poet Maya Angelou, actor Ellen Burstyn, and Academy Award-winning auteur Siân Heder. All, and hundreds more, developed films with AFI-DWW+ in Los Angeles.

At this year’s Workshop, Catbagan turns her lens back home. Her film 'Royal Blood' will follow two queer lovers preparing for a ball in 1888 Philippines. There, an enigmatic attendee, Maria, unleashes forbidden passions, and poses an existential threat to the couple’s bond.

At the link in our bio, #BiancaCatbagan talks about filmmaking, shooting LA as Old Manila, and reimagining Maria Clara through a queer lens.

Photographs by @isaac_inocentes, interview by @laurel.flores.fantauzzo

When Bianca Catbagan (@bcatbagan) earned a place at the @AmericanFilmInstitute Directing Workshop for Women+, she joined a legacy that includes poet Maya Angelou, actor Ellen Burstyn, and Academy Award-winning auteur Siân Heder. All, and hundreds more, developed films with AFI-DWW+ in Los Angeles.

At this year’s Workshop, Catbagan turns her lens back home. Her film 'Royal Blood' will follow two queer lovers preparing for a ball in 1888 Philippines. There, an enigmatic attendee, Maria, unleashes forbidden passions, and poses an existential threat to the couple’s bond.

At the link in our bio, #BiancaCatbagan talks about filmmaking, shooting LA as Old Manila, and reimagining Maria Clara through a queer lens.

Photographs by @isaac_inocentes, interview by @laurel.flores.fantauzzo

Can’t believe I can be part of this year’s AFI DWW+ cohort. Thank you @yongchavez for picking up this story!

Drea wrote a very special script for me a few years back and we are finally making it. It’s a reimagining of Maria Clara, a fictional heroine in Philippine history known for her demure and passive ways. It’s like Dangerous Liaisons, but make it gay. Follow @royalbloodfilm for updates!

Photographer @bcatbagan
Model @elenaheuze
Stylist @akathayz
Hair an Makeup @tsunoorlater
Based on characters written by @hot_kamote

Can’t believe I can be part of this year’s AFI DWW+ cohort. Thank you @yongchavez for picking up this story!

Drea wrote a very special script for me a few years back and we are finally making it. It’s a reimagining of Maria Clara, a fictional heroine in Philippine history known for her demure and passive ways. It’s like Dangerous Liaisons, but make it gay. Follow @royalbloodfilm for updates!

Photographer @bcatbagan
Model @elenaheuze
Stylist @akathayz
Hair an Makeup @tsunoorlater
Based on characters written by @hot_kamote

Can’t believe I can be part of this year’s AFI DWW+ cohort. Thank you @yongchavez for picking up this story!

Drea wrote a very special script for me a few years back and we are finally making it. It’s a reimagining of Maria Clara, a fictional heroine in Philippine history known for her demure and passive ways. It’s like Dangerous Liaisons, but make it gay. Follow @royalbloodfilm for updates!

Photographer @bcatbagan
Model @elenaheuze
Stylist @akathayz
Hair an Makeup @tsunoorlater
Based on characters written by @hot_kamote

Can’t believe I can be part of this year’s AFI DWW+ cohort. Thank you @yongchavez for picking up this story!

Drea wrote a very special script for me a few years back and we are finally making it. It’s a reimagining of Maria Clara, a fictional heroine in Philippine history known for her demure and passive ways. It’s like Dangerous Liaisons, but make it gay. Follow @royalbloodfilm for updates!

Photographer @bcatbagan
Model @elenaheuze
Stylist @akathayz
Hair an Makeup @tsunoorlater
Based on characters written by @hot_kamote

The episodes we shot and produced for @sinnersmovie @proximitymedia are now on @hbomax 💓

Episodes 1 & 2 featuring @addp and @ludwiggoransson
Director / EP @paolamardo
Producer @bcatbagan
Cinematography @andreaxwalter
Gaffer @brokencinema
Key Grip @mmm_chiuee @thegriphouse
Sound Marcelo de Oliveira
Sound Mix @kennana
Theme music @ludwiggoransson
AP @cece.mgm
PA @isabellagmiller77
Socials @alexandria.santana
Audio Intern Faith Wang
Equipment @birnsandsawyer @thegriphouse
Super 8 @pro8mm

The episodes we shot and produced for @sinnersmovie @proximitymedia are now on @hbomax 💓

Episodes 1 & 2 featuring @addp and @ludwiggoransson
Director / EP @paolamardo
Producer @bcatbagan
Cinematography @andreaxwalter
Gaffer @brokencinema
Key Grip @mmm_chiuee @thegriphouse
Sound Marcelo de Oliveira
Sound Mix @kennana
Theme music @ludwiggoransson
AP @cece.mgm
PA @isabellagmiller77
Socials @alexandria.santana
Audio Intern Faith Wang
Equipment @birnsandsawyer @thegriphouse
Super 8 @pro8mm

The episodes we shot and produced for @sinnersmovie @proximitymedia are now on @hbomax 💓

Episodes 1 & 2 featuring @addp and @ludwiggoransson
Director / EP @paolamardo
Producer @bcatbagan
Cinematography @andreaxwalter
Gaffer @brokencinema
Key Grip @mmm_chiuee @thegriphouse
Sound Marcelo de Oliveira
Sound Mix @kennana
Theme music @ludwiggoransson
AP @cece.mgm
PA @isabellagmiller77
Socials @alexandria.santana
Audio Intern Faith Wang
Equipment @birnsandsawyer @thegriphouse
Super 8 @pro8mm

Shot the inimitable @hermusicofficial this weekend 💓

Glam by @ninamoniquehair @linamourey @chaunlegend @badnewsbritt
V special thanks to @camillanhansen @lizziepalma_

Shot the inimitable @hermusicofficial this weekend 💓

Glam by @ninamoniquehair @linamourey @chaunlegend @badnewsbritt
V special thanks to @camillanhansen @lizziepalma_

Shot the inimitable @hermusicofficial this weekend 💓

Glam by @ninamoniquehair @linamourey @chaunlegend @badnewsbritt
V special thanks to @camillanhansen @lizziepalma_

Early bird tickets are SOLD OUT! Regular price tickets are available at $25. Get them now ✨

We’re throwing a party at @givehopestudios on Sun, May 31, 2-6pm. Come dance!

As part of the 2027 cohort for the American Film Institute (AFI) Directing Workshop for Women+ (DWW+), @bcatbagan will direct “Royal Blood,” a short film set in the Spanish-colonized Philippines in 1888.

Written by British Filipino filmmaker Andrea A. Walter, the historical drama reimagines Maria Clara through a queer lens and follows on-and-off lovers Victorina and Pepay as they prepare for a grand cotillion. Inspired by the 1988 film “Dangerous Liaisons,” according to Catbagan, “Royal Blood” will explore how Maria’s unexpected arrival will threaten Victorina and Pepay’s relationship.

Before its inclusion in AFI’s DWW+ program, Walter’s script had already received early recognition, including a University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) Department of Film Alumni Seed Grant, support from the Nevada Arts Council, and selection for the “Pitch, Please!” Competition at the Inside Out Toronto 2SLGBTQ+ Film Festival, sponsored by Netflix.

“When I think about babaylan, it shows how there were queer figureheads back in pre-colonial Philippines. I thought it was interesting that we’ve always had that in our nature—that’s something that’s always been very truly Filipino,” shares Catbagan, explaining what drew her to Walter’s script.

“It was about spinning the idealized image of Maria Clara,” she adds. “With ‘Royal Blood,’ I’m reimagining the historical figure of Maria Clara, not as an idealized symbol, but as a rebellious and dangerous woman.”

Full story via the link in bio☝🏻

Story by @marts.agustin

#preenph

Took custom portraits for this year’s @americanfilminstitute DWW+ cohort and saw them on screen last night. Congratulations ladies on a stellar showcase! Especially to guest creative director, @marie_jamora, for guiding everyone to this night. 💓

Photographer: @bcatbagan
Photo assistant: @isaac_inocentes

Took custom portraits for this year’s @americanfilminstitute DWW+ cohort and saw them on screen last night. Congratulations ladies on a stellar showcase! Especially to guest creative director, @marie_jamora, for guiding everyone to this night. 💓

Photographer: @bcatbagan
Photo assistant: @isaac_inocentes

Took custom portraits for this year’s @americanfilminstitute DWW+ cohort and saw them on screen last night. Congratulations ladies on a stellar showcase! Especially to guest creative director, @marie_jamora, for guiding everyone to this night. 💓

Photographer: @bcatbagan
Photo assistant: @isaac_inocentes

Took custom portraits for this year’s @americanfilminstitute DWW+ cohort and saw them on screen last night. Congratulations ladies on a stellar showcase! Especially to guest creative director, @marie_jamora, for guiding everyone to this night. 💓

Photographer: @bcatbagan
Photo assistant: @isaac_inocentes

Took custom portraits for this year’s @americanfilminstitute DWW+ cohort and saw them on screen last night. Congratulations ladies on a stellar showcase! Especially to guest creative director, @marie_jamora, for guiding everyone to this night. 💓

Photographer: @bcatbagan
Photo assistant: @isaac_inocentes

Took custom portraits for this year’s @americanfilminstitute DWW+ cohort and saw them on screen last night. Congratulations ladies on a stellar showcase! Especially to guest creative director, @marie_jamora, for guiding everyone to this night. 💓

Photographer: @bcatbagan
Photo assistant: @isaac_inocentes

Took custom portraits for this year’s @americanfilminstitute DWW+ cohort and saw them on screen last night. Congratulations ladies on a stellar showcase! Especially to guest creative director, @marie_jamora, for guiding everyone to this night. 💓

Photographer: @bcatbagan
Photo assistant: @isaac_inocentes

Took custom portraits for this year’s @americanfilminstitute DWW+ cohort and saw them on screen last night. Congratulations ladies on a stellar showcase! Especially to guest creative director, @marie_jamora, for guiding everyone to this night. 💓

Photographer: @bcatbagan
Photo assistant: @isaac_inocentes

Took custom portraits for this year’s @americanfilminstitute DWW+ cohort and saw them on screen last night. Congratulations ladies on a stellar showcase! Especially to guest creative director, @marie_jamora, for guiding everyone to this night. 💓

Photographer: @bcatbagan
Photo assistant: @isaac_inocentes

Took custom portraits for this year’s @americanfilminstitute DWW+ cohort and saw them on screen last night. Congratulations ladies on a stellar showcase! Especially to guest creative director, @marie_jamora, for guiding everyone to this night. 💓

Photographer: @bcatbagan
Photo assistant: @isaac_inocentes

Leading the charge, as always. Congratulations @dinoray + @realdiaspora 💓

Leading the charge, as always. Congratulations @dinoray + @realdiaspora 💓

JUMP directed by @bcatbagan

Producers: @maytwice, @andreaxwalter, @graysonthomasorr
Director: @bcatbagan
DP: @robchado
Script Supervisor: @velicious27
1st AC: @greek__style, @maqu3
2nd AC: @pepperinyourear
Camera Utility: @internetstef, @setdogwinnie
Gaffer: @elicooperfilm
KG: @rysheehan_
Car Rigger: @jeremyyyle, @ultrapremiumpresentationmat
Swing: @alfredomon
Production Designer: Robie Ariane Alcala
Set Dresser: @nothannahtran
Art PA: @rapha.reyes
Costume Designer: @chips_and_marqueso
Sound Mixer: Salvador Sharpe
Boom Operator: @tylerkulin
Executive PA: @lv.jordannnn

JUMP directed by @bcatbagan

Producers: @maytwice, @andreaxwalter, @graysonthomasorr
Director: @bcatbagan
DP: @robchado
Script Supervisor: @velicious27
1st AC: @greek__style, @maqu3
2nd AC: @pepperinyourear
Camera Utility: @internetstef, @setdogwinnie
Gaffer: @elicooperfilm
KG: @rysheehan_
Car Rigger: @jeremyyyle, @ultrapremiumpresentationmat
Swing: @alfredomon
Production Designer: Robie Ariane Alcala
Set Dresser: @nothannahtran
Art PA: @rapha.reyes
Costume Designer: @chips_and_marqueso
Sound Mixer: Salvador Sharpe
Boom Operator: @tylerkulin
Executive PA: @lv.jordannnn

JUMP directed by @bcatbagan

Producers: @maytwice, @andreaxwalter, @graysonthomasorr
Director: @bcatbagan
DP: @robchado
Script Supervisor: @velicious27
1st AC: @greek__style, @maqu3
2nd AC: @pepperinyourear
Camera Utility: @internetstef, @setdogwinnie
Gaffer: @elicooperfilm
KG: @rysheehan_
Car Rigger: @jeremyyyle, @ultrapremiumpresentationmat
Swing: @alfredomon
Production Designer: Robie Ariane Alcala
Set Dresser: @nothannahtran
Art PA: @rapha.reyes
Costume Designer: @chips_and_marqueso
Sound Mixer: Salvador Sharpe
Boom Operator: @tylerkulin
Executive PA: @lv.jordannnn

JUMP directed by @bcatbagan

Producers: @maytwice, @andreaxwalter, @graysonthomasorr
Director: @bcatbagan
DP: @robchado
Script Supervisor: @velicious27
1st AC: @greek__style, @maqu3
2nd AC: @pepperinyourear
Camera Utility: @internetstef, @setdogwinnie
Gaffer: @elicooperfilm
KG: @rysheehan_
Car Rigger: @jeremyyyle, @ultrapremiumpresentationmat
Swing: @alfredomon
Production Designer: Robie Ariane Alcala
Set Dresser: @nothannahtran
Art PA: @rapha.reyes
Costume Designer: @chips_and_marqueso
Sound Mixer: Salvador Sharpe
Boom Operator: @tylerkulin
Executive PA: @lv.jordannnn

JUMP directed by @bcatbagan

Producers: @maytwice, @andreaxwalter, @graysonthomasorr
Director: @bcatbagan
DP: @robchado
Script Supervisor: @velicious27
1st AC: @greek__style, @maqu3
2nd AC: @pepperinyourear
Camera Utility: @internetstef, @setdogwinnie
Gaffer: @elicooperfilm
KG: @rysheehan_
Car Rigger: @jeremyyyle, @ultrapremiumpresentationmat
Swing: @alfredomon
Production Designer: Robie Ariane Alcala
Set Dresser: @nothannahtran
Art PA: @rapha.reyes
Costume Designer: @chips_and_marqueso
Sound Mixer: Salvador Sharpe
Boom Operator: @tylerkulin
Executive PA: @lv.jordannnn

JUMP directed by @bcatbagan

Producers: @maytwice, @andreaxwalter, @graysonthomasorr
Director: @bcatbagan
DP: @robchado
Script Supervisor: @velicious27
1st AC: @greek__style, @maqu3
2nd AC: @pepperinyourear
Camera Utility: @internetstef, @setdogwinnie
Gaffer: @elicooperfilm
KG: @rysheehan_
Car Rigger: @jeremyyyle, @ultrapremiumpresentationmat
Swing: @alfredomon
Production Designer: Robie Ariane Alcala
Set Dresser: @nothannahtran
Art PA: @rapha.reyes
Costume Designer: @chips_and_marqueso
Sound Mixer: Salvador Sharpe
Boom Operator: @tylerkulin
Executive PA: @lv.jordannnn

JUMP directed by @bcatbagan

Producers: @maytwice, @andreaxwalter, @graysonthomasorr
Director: @bcatbagan
DP: @robchado
Script Supervisor: @velicious27
1st AC: @greek__style, @maqu3
2nd AC: @pepperinyourear
Camera Utility: @internetstef, @setdogwinnie
Gaffer: @elicooperfilm
KG: @rysheehan_
Car Rigger: @jeremyyyle, @ultrapremiumpresentationmat
Swing: @alfredomon
Production Designer: Robie Ariane Alcala
Set Dresser: @nothannahtran
Art PA: @rapha.reyes
Costume Designer: @chips_and_marqueso
Sound Mixer: Salvador Sharpe
Boom Operator: @tylerkulin
Executive PA: @lv.jordannnn

JUMP directed by @bcatbagan

Producers: @maytwice, @andreaxwalter, @graysonthomasorr
Director: @bcatbagan
DP: @robchado
Script Supervisor: @velicious27
1st AC: @greek__style, @maqu3
2nd AC: @pepperinyourear
Camera Utility: @internetstef, @setdogwinnie
Gaffer: @elicooperfilm
KG: @rysheehan_
Car Rigger: @jeremyyyle, @ultrapremiumpresentationmat
Swing: @alfredomon
Production Designer: Robie Ariane Alcala
Set Dresser: @nothannahtran
Art PA: @rapha.reyes
Costume Designer: @chips_and_marqueso
Sound Mixer: Salvador Sharpe
Boom Operator: @tylerkulin
Executive PA: @lv.jordannnn

JUMP directed by @bcatbagan

Producers: @maytwice, @andreaxwalter, @graysonthomasorr
Director: @bcatbagan
DP: @robchado
Script Supervisor: @velicious27
1st AC: @greek__style, @maqu3
2nd AC: @pepperinyourear
Camera Utility: @internetstef, @setdogwinnie
Gaffer: @elicooperfilm
KG: @rysheehan_
Car Rigger: @jeremyyyle, @ultrapremiumpresentationmat
Swing: @alfredomon
Production Designer: Robie Ariane Alcala
Set Dresser: @nothannahtran
Art PA: @rapha.reyes
Costume Designer: @chips_and_marqueso
Sound Mixer: Salvador Sharpe
Boom Operator: @tylerkulin
Executive PA: @lv.jordannnn

portraits set for the hollywood bandit herself @courtneydirects

thank you for the assist @andreaxwalter

portraits set for the hollywood bandit herself @courtneydirects

thank you for the assist @andreaxwalter

portraits set for the hollywood bandit herself @courtneydirects

thank you for the assist @andreaxwalter

Apartment 605 is coming home! @outfest is back and we’re so excited to be a part of it

Come watch on Sunday, Nov 9 at 12pm at the @lookcinemas in Glendale. Cast and crew present - except for the diva who doesn’t like getting her fur wiped. Coz she can’t come into the theater sigh @thatbguijo

Apartment 605 is coming home! @outfest is back and we’re so excited to be a part of it

Come watch on Sunday, Nov 9 at 12pm at the @lookcinemas in Glendale. Cast and crew present - except for the diva who doesn’t like getting her fur wiped. Coz she can’t come into the theater sigh @thatbguijo

Apartment 605 is coming home! @outfest is back and we’re so excited to be a part of it

Come watch on Sunday, Nov 9 at 12pm at the @lookcinemas in Glendale. Cast and crew present - except for the diva who doesn’t like getting her fur wiped. Coz she can’t come into the theater sigh @thatbguijo

Apartment 605 is coming home! @outfest is back and we’re so excited to be a part of it

Come watch on Sunday, Nov 9 at 12pm at the @lookcinemas in Glendale. Cast and crew present - except for the diva who doesn’t like getting her fur wiped. Coz she can’t come into the theater sigh @thatbguijo

disco in france, smell some perfume, head in the wind