some films (including shorts) and shows that i've seen and enjoyed, with notes for recommendations (asterisks mean they're highly recommended)

films:

• the handmaiden (2016)*
  • korean adaptation of sarah waters' fingersmith, set in the time of the japanese occupation of korea, explicit, directed by park chan wook (director of stoker and more), great script and execution (cinematography, set production, direction, and acting included)
• pariah (2011)*
  • effective coming of age film that explores the struggles of butch lesbians growing up in a conservative environment
• at urt (2016)*
  • short film, great cinematography and scrip writing, although editing could be better, serves great imagery to incorporated literary text of roland barthes, very good use of literature (i'm a sucker for lit and critical theory)
  • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=THQ6x2oTLKo
• ang sayaw ng dalawang kaliwang paa* (2011)
  • not lesbian but this is a special mention filipino indie film by alvin yapan (director of oro, ang kubo sa kawayanan, and more) with gay characters, as i said, i love the use of literature and critical theory in films especially when incorporated well into the film such that the film and the text become complementary, amazing script writing and direction
• ang huling cha-cha ni anita (2014)
  • filipino indie film again, has some flaws but has a charming script, plot involves self-discovery and young love amidst traditionalist conventions.
• saving face* (2004)
  • chinese-american rom com set in nyc tackling modern love in a traditionalist culture. very well written and executed (with a few flaws, of course) but very entertaining and fulfilling as a rom-com with substance.
  • https://putlockers.ca/saving-face-2004-full-movie-putlocker-megashare9.html
• bwakaw* (2012)
  • this also isn't a lesbian film but it's a filipino indie film about an old gay man who has no other family besides his adopted stray dog. this is high up in my favourites list as it not only depicts the struggles of a gay man but also of the elderly. it has amazing scriptwriting and execution and while it isn't perfect (it's not as if there are any films that are), it's still a commendable work that i would recommend to anyone. bonus: dog!!!!
  • 360p version with eng subs: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lv7B3zJAkQQ
• rookie (2023)
  • filipino lesbian haikyuu film by same director of baka bukas (which i do not like) and billie and emma (which i hear is good), highly recommend for some good light lesbian fun! some flaws in terms of tying up loose ends but overall vvvv enjoyable (will be on amazone prime)

shows:

• lily fever*
  • a classic, web series that was supposed to be a pilot episode for a full series but was sadly dropped (for reasons unstated), the quirky plot and execution will keep you intrigued and entertained
• age of youth*
  • there's much to be said about age of youth, it's not an explicitly gay drama but it's one that effectively explores the growing relationship of women with very different personalities and backgrounds. the script is amazing, the characters are very well rounded and humanized and the overall execution of this drama completes it in such a way that allows you to fully immerse in these characters and their stories. it's not a "gay" drama but it's still women loving and supporting women and i would still recommend it to anyone.
• san junipero episode of black mirror*
  • you dont need to watch other black mirror episodes. an hour long episode of good gayness!! some nsfw scenes. really interesting plot and worldbuilding. good scriptwriting and execution. i highly recommend it.