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
• yes or no (2010)
  • thai romcom film, butch lesbian kim and seemingly straight(TM) girl pie are roommates, gay shit ensues, recommended if you're looking for something light and funny to watch
• day moon (2014)
  • short film, impressive script writing and framing
  • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=00cy6q7IVkI
• five steps to accept farewell (2016)
  • short film, script written to depict five stages of grief, impressive acting, pacing is a bit rushed due to the format but tolerable
  • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=609akB0LmNo
• ang bagong pamilya ni ponching* (2016)
  • filipino indie film, feel good film with impressive script writing and character building, putting this here is kind of a spoiler because the gay characters aren't really central to the story (although still extremely important to the plot), but the gay will surprise you
• 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
• barber's tales* (2014)
  • filipino indie film that depicts the situation of a province in the marcos regime, this isn't really explicitly gay (there's a kiss between two of the female characters, but it's not really something i would fawn over) but this also explores women supporting women, and come on, eugene domingo everyone.
• blue is the warmest colour (2012)
  • arguably the most popular lesbian film (until the handmaiden surprised everyone in 2016), extremely emotional and nsfw, i have some issues with it regarding its male gaze (although the same could be said of the handmaiden) but i was a bit more bothered with this than i was with the handmaiden for several reasons.
• ang huling cha-cha ni anita (2014)
  • filipino indie film again, has quite a few flaws but has a charming script, plot involves self-discovery and young love amidst traditionalist conventions.
• miao miao (2008)
  • coming of age film, lacking in many areas but has a certain charm to it.
  • http://www1.dramanice.to/miao-miao/watch-miao-miao-episode-1-online
• 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
• baka bukas (2017)
  • this is actually a film i DON'T recommend due to multiple reasons (messy storyline, flat characters, too much emphasis on visual aesthetics and not enough attention to substance, extremely privileged outlook on lesbian identity that risks invalidating other lesbian identities and experiences in PH) but it is a lesbian filipino film. if anyone's desperate enough to watch it even after i've warned you, suit yourself
• everlasting (2017)
  • directed by brillante ma. mendoza, a filipino tv film about a lesbian couple celebrating their 9th year anniversary, star aubrey miles and mercedes cabral. i'm a sucker for mercedes cabral and i enjoyed brillante mendoza's tsinoy, so this was a pleasant surprise. i'd need to rewatch it to really work out its strengths and weaknesses but overall i enjoyed this and appreciate the effort to bring the story of a lesbian couple to tv.
  • spoiler: the whole story, including its conclusion is very bittersweet which i also appreciated, but if you're looking for something with "a happy ending" this may not be it?

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.