Choosing Wisely: Sassa Gurl and Esnyr Address Systematic Problems in
- Sassa Gurl and Esnyr called on voters to choose their leaders wisely during the screening of "Balota"
- Sassa Gurl walked the red carpet in a dress featuring paper bills with her face, in theme with her role in the movie
- Esnyr urged voters to see beyond superficiality and popularity when choosing leaders
- "Balota" is written and directed by Kip Oebanda and is aimed at the Filipino masses
- The film earned Marian Rivera her first Cinemalaya Best Actress win and will hit theaters on October 16 after demand from its Cinemalaya run
Popular content creators Sassa Gurl and Esnyr recently took a break from their usual comedic videos to deliver a serious message to the public. The two online personalities emphasized the importance of making informed decisions when it comes to choosing leaders during elections.
The duo made their call for responsible voting during the red carpet screening of the movie “Balota” on October 11, 2024. Sassa Gurl, known for her humorous antics as a self-proclaimed “kanal gay,” made a statement with her custom dress adorned with paper bills featuring her own face. In the film, she portrays one of two gay individuals who are recruited to assist rival politicians in their barangay campaigns, with Esnyr playing the role of a friend supporting a different candidate.
As the audience gathered for the screening, Sassa Gurl expressed her thoughts on the upcoming elections, highlighting the systemic issues that plague the country. She stressed the importance of actively participating in discussions about the current state of affairs, especially for her followers whom she endearingly refers to as “nakshie.”
Echoing her sentiments, Esnyr urged voters to look beyond superficial qualities and popularity when selecting the country’s future leaders. Drawing a parallel to student government elections in schools, she emphasized the need to prioritize substance over style. Esnyr also commended “Balota” for its ability to blend politics with entertainment, making it an engaging and thought-provoking film for viewers.
Directed and written by Kip Oebanda, “Balota” was created with the intention of resonating with the Filipino masses. Oebanda expressed his desire to reignite the production of politically charged films, citing a previous period when artists, musicians, and filmmakers were actively engaged in creating content that addressed social and political issues. He hopes that the success of “Balota” will inspire other filmmakers and artists to follow suit and produce more politically relevant works.
The film, which stars Marian Rivera in a compelling role as Teacher Emmy, a dedicated educator fighting against corrupt politicians to safeguard her town’s last remaining ballot, garnered Rivera her first Cinemalaya Best Actress award. Following its well-received screening at Cinemalaya in August, “Balota” is set to premiere in Philippine theaters on October 16, due to popular demand.
With its timely message and engaging narrative, “Balota” serves as a reminder to audiences about the power of their votes and the impact of their choices on the country’s future. As the election season approaches, Sassa Gurl and Esnyr’s advocacy for conscientious voting resonates strongly, urging citizens to make informed decisions that prioritize integrity and genuine leadership qualities in their chosen candidates.
/Digital Sauce
