MASAHISTA (The Masseur)

Director(s): Brillante Mendoza
Country: Philippines
Year: 2005
Language: Tagalog/Pampango with English subtitles
Length: 80 minutes

Program:
8 April - 20.00 hours - Rialto Amsterdam

20-year old Iliac is employed at Maharlika, a gay massage salon. Working there as a masseur, the boyish Iliac serves all clients the same way: first by disrobing, working the body with an oil massage before the final carnal deal. The masseurs of the salon subtly try to sense their customer’s desires. One of Iliac’s regulars is a writer who generally wants most for least.

One morning, news reaches Iliac that his father, an alcoholic who abandoned his family, has died. The family takes on the duty to bury him. What follows are the customary rituals. Iliac helps with the embalming rituals for his father’s remains and is thereby reminded of his everyday job.