A decaying cinema in the heart of Manila becomes the setting for a tender coming-of-age story in Honey, My Love, So Sweet, a short film directed by Cebu-based filmmaker JT Trinidad. The film explores first love, identity, and the complexities of human connection through the eyes of an androgynous child discovering the world around them.
Set in 2000s Manila, Honey, My Love, So Sweet follows Life, an androgynous kid who arrives with their mother at an old cinema facing demolition. Inside the aging theater, Life forms a close friendship with Gab, the projectionist’s son, as they navigate affection, curiosity, and the confusing emotions that come with growing up. As Gab experiences love in Life’s presence, Life develops a strange fascination with Gab’s father, leading to a story that examines longing, desire, and the spaces where memories are created.
Directed, written, edited, and produced by JT Trinidad, the film reflects the filmmaker’s interest in exploring the intersection of queerness and geographical tensions, particularly how landscapes and physical spaces shape personal experiences. Trinidad, who is based in Cebu, Philippines, graduated summa cum laude and Class Valedictorian from the University of the Philippines – Diliman College of Mass Communication in 2024 and currently teaches Communication at the University of the Philippines – Cebu.
Trinidad’s previous works have earned recognition in both local and international film circles. Their narrative short The River That Never Ends, which follows a trans woman care worker, won Best Southeast Asian Short Film at the 34th Singapore International Film Festival and the Student Award at the 18th Jogja-NETPAC Asian Film Festival. The film also premiered in the United Kingdom at the BFI London Film Festival and is currently available on The Criterion Collection.
Their graduation film Honey, My Love, So Sweet premiered at the Locarno Film Festival and later won Best Short Film at the QCinema International Film Festival. Trinidad was also a recipient of the Ani ng Dangal award from the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) in 2024.
The film stars Kian Co, Marcus Timbas, Manuel Tinio, and Mina Cruz. Joining Trinidad in the production team are cinematographer Rocky Morilla, with Trinidad serving as director, screenwriter, editor, and producer.
Honey, My Love, So Sweet is part of the Short Film Category finalists of Cinemalaya 2026, the Philippine independent film festival. The Short Film Category finalists also include Elenita Elena Elaine, Hoy, Hoy, Ingat!, kung paano kakalas., Para-Para-an, Runo!, Silkscreen, Sorbetes, The Keeper, and The River Flows in Different Places.
The Full-Length Category finalists for Cinemalaya 2026 are A.ni.mál, 2 Valid IDs, Ganggang, Hand of God, Mag-iina, Kaka sa Yawan, Status: Rejected, Tayo Lang ang Nakakaalam, and Tirik.
Audiences can watch Honey, My Love, So Sweet from August 6 to 18 at Red Carpet Cinemas at Shangri-La Plaza, selected Ayala Malls, and Gateway Cineplex.
