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Directed by Fil-Am filmmaker Mike Talplacido, the feature film explores love, caregiving, and redemption in the American South as part of the festival's Closing Night program.

Filipino-American filmmaker Mike Talplacido is set to mark a major career milestone as his feature directorial debut, 'In This Moment,' makes its world premiere at the iconic Roxie Theatre as an official selection of the San Francisco Queer Film Festival (SFQFF) 2026.

The LGBTQ drama will screen on August 23 as part of the festival's Closing Night program.

Set in North Carolina, 'In This Moment' follows a Filipino-American writer and his husband as they navigate complex themes of infidelity, caregiving, loss, and the possibility of redemption.

"Think of it as 'Marriage Story' meets 'Past Lives' but set in the American South and featuring an interracial LGBTQ couple," Talplacido shared. "One half of the couple is Filipino American, just like me, while the other is his husband from North Carolina. Although the film isn't autobiographical, it draws inspiration from many aspects of my life, my relationships, and the people around me."

What is the idea behind 'In This Moment'?

For Talplacido, bringing nuanced Filipino-American and LGBTQ perspectives to mainstream cinema remains a central objective.

"My goal was to tell a story centered on a Filipino American protagonist. We still don't see many stories like these in mainstream cinema, especially ones set in the American South. I hope this film reminds audiences that these lives, relationships, and experiences exist," the director noted.

Having grown up in the Philippines watching movies and idolizing film stars before moving to the United States in his early twenties, Talplacido emphasized the importance of grounded storytelling.

"If there's one thing I hope they leave with, it's the reminder to live in the present, cherish the simple moments, and believe that we all deserve second chances," he said. "I also hope they connect with the story of an LGBTQ couple living in the American South, while getting a glimpse into the experience of a Filipino American immigrant married to his American husband. Those are perspectives we still don't often see on screen, and it was important to me to tell that story with authenticity."

'Cherish the simple moments.' A sneak peek at the Fil-Am LGBTQ drama 'In This Moment,' making its world premiere at SFQFF 2026

Why the San Francisco Queer Film Festival is the perfect venue for 'In This Moment'

Now in its sixth year, the San Francisco Queer Film Festival honors groundbreaking independent films by underrepresented queer storytellers. SFQFF Programming Director Kevin Thomas praised the film's addition to the slate.

“We are so happy to screen 'In This Moment' as it touches us on so many levels - from love to family to aging. It also makes sense to screen here as the Bay Area is the hub of many Filipino Americans and we love the representation of people from all walks of life,” Thomas stated.

Talplacido expressed his enthusiasm for participating in community-focused film spaces.

“I especially love attending LGBTQ film festivals because many of my films center on LGBTQ stories. I also love telling stories that represent my culture as a Filipino American, so I enjoy festivals that celebrate those voices as well," he said. "In general, I love festivals because of the people. Not only do you get to connect with audiences, but you also meet fellow filmmakers and people in the industry who may become future collaborators.”

Prior to its world premiere, "In This Moment" achieved several industry recognitions:

• Finalist: 2026 AAPI Renaissance Rally (sponsored by Gold House and Seed&Spark)
• Grant Recipient: 2025 Filmed in NC Grant (awarded by the Cucalorus Foundation and the North Carolina Film Office)
• Screenplay Workshop: Lambda Literary (where Talplacido served as a 2025 writing fellow

Following its premiere in San Francisco, 'In This Moment' will continue its festival circuit throughout September, including a Southern California premiere and a North Carolina homecoming premiere.

Tickets for the San Francisco Queer Film Festival screening are available via www.sfqueerfilmfest.com.

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