"Model ciTizen" (2013), a documentary directed by Cecilio Asuncion and Toine Valentin, presents the compelling life story of Brigite Salvatore, a transgender Muslim woman from the Philippines, as she navigates the complex and often painful journey of self-identity and acceptance. The film is not just an intimate portrayal of Brigite's life but also a broader commentary on the struggles of transgender individuals in society. It highlights the prejudices, challenges, and discrimination that many in the transgender community face daily, while also celebrating their resilience, strength, and humanity.
The documentary's creation began in an unexpected way when Brigite Salvatore, a member of the Society of Transsexual Women of the Philippines (STRAP), was sent to the HASIK Film Making Seminar, organized by Dakila – Philippine Collective for Modern Heroism. At the time, Brigite had no intention of becoming a filmmaker. "I never really thought that I would have the opportunity to make a film and to have my story be heard," she confessed. Initially, Brigite participated in the seminar simply to complete the three-day program, not anticipating the life-changing opportunity that would follow. However, as the seminar progressed, she pitched her own story, secretly hoping to make it into the finalist round of the ALAB Finalists for the Active Vista Film Festival. To her surprise, she did just that. This marked the beginning of Brigite’s journey into filmmaking, culminating in the production of "Model ciTizen".
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For Brigite, "Model ciTizen" is more than just a documentary - it is a personal exploration of her identity as a Muslim, a transgender woman, and an individual navigating societal prejudices. "Despite the struggles and prejudices we (transgender people) experience every day, we still manage to celebrate life in our own way," Brigite explained. She hoped that the film would help people realize that transgender individuals are not as different as society often makes them out to be. "We fight, we love, we pray, and most of all, we also want to be loved," she said, emphasizing the universal nature of human desires, regardless of one's gender identity. Brigite’s life was marked by a profound struggle with her self-identity. As a young person, she wrestled with confusion and doubt, wondering if the person she saw in the mirror truly reflected who she was. "There was a point in my life when I thought that I was no longer myself, and I felt like this was not me anymore," she recalled. This dark period eventually became a turning point, propelling her toward a decision to live authentically according to her self-identified gender. “It was the hardest yet the best decision I’ve ever made in my whole life,” Brigite said. The decision to fully embrace her identity as a woman was not without its difficulties, but it marked the start of a more fulfilling life.
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As Brigite began to live her truth, the challenges intensified. "Everything got complicated the moment I identified myself as a woman," she said, acknowledging how society’s gaze often singles out individuals who do not conform to its rigid definitions of gender and normalcy. As a transgender Muslim woman, Brigite faced not only societal prejudice but also the specific scrutiny that comes with being both a woman and a Muslim in a world that often marginalizes both identities. Despite the weight of these challenges, Brigite remained resolute. She firmly believes that other transgender Filipinas can draw strength from her journey. "The best lesson that other transpinays could learn from my life experiences would be to always be the person you identify yourself as," she stated. "I know that living a life as a transgender is never easy, but you just have to be yourself all the time and always remember that it’s as important to describe what you are as it is to be who you are." This mindset became Brigite's guiding principle as she forged her path.
Though "Model ciTizen" is deeply personal, the process of creating it was also challenging. Brigite was a complete novice in filmmaking and found the experience overwhelming at times. "Filmmaking is known to be stressful," she admitted. "I have no background in filmmaking at all." Yet, with the support of her mentor, director Cecilio Asuncion, known for known for such films as
What's the T, and
Road to the Runway, Brigite persevered. "I didn’t let all the negativity intimidate me," she said. She realized that her film was not just about her individual story, but about the broader transgender community. "The reason why I wanted my film to be seen and be heard was because it’s not just about my story; it’s also about the story of every transgender woman who spends her day-to-day life in a battlefield," Brigite explained. The documentary became her platform to reach a wider audience, sharing the experiences of transgender women who face daily challenges of discrimination, rejection, and violence. Through "Model ciTizen", Brigite sought to convey an important message: "All our lives will be easier if we just understand and love one another." She hoped that the film would help viewers realize that being transgender does not make someone any less of a person. "We just want to live life like the way they want to live theirs," she added, urging greater empathy and acceptance toward those whose identities differ from the mainstream.
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As a result of her experience with "Model ciTizen", Brigite began to consider a future in filmmaking. She expressed interest in pursuing formal education in the field to continue telling stories like hers. "Always take every opportunity that will come my way as long as it will help me grow," she said. Her drive to share narratives that shed light on the transgender experience remains a strong motivation for her, and she hopes that her work will inspire others to pursue their passions and remain true to themselves. Brigite’s journey exemplifies resilience, self-empowerment, and the courage to live authentically in a world that often rejects those who deviate from its norms. Through "Model ciTizen", she invites viewers to reconsider their preconceived notions of gender, identity, and human dignity. The documentary is not only a testament to Brigite’s personal transformation but also a call for greater understanding and acceptance of transgender individuals in society. "The best lesson I hope to impart to others," she concluded, "is that no matter who you are, you must always be true to yourself." In the end, "Model ciTizen" is not just a story of one person - it is a reflection of the ongoing struggles and triumphs of transgender people everywhere. It serves as a powerful reminder that, despite the hardships, the pursuit of personal truth and the desire for love and acceptance are universal.
Image credits: YouTube
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