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RALEIGH, North Carolina—“In This Moment,” the debut feature from NewFilmmakerLA alum and 2025 Lambda Literary Fellow Mike Talplacido, begins production this August in this city. The deeply personal drama follows an interracial LGBTQ couple as they navigate guilt, grief, and the quiet labor of care, set against the backdrop of the contemporary American South.
“North Carolina has been my home for over fifteen years,” says Talplacido, who moved to the Tar Heel State in 2008 to pursue his MBA at UNC-Chapel Hill. “It’s also where I met my now-husband, Chris. I wanted to honor this place, this home, and tell a story that reflects the complexities of love, caregiving, and identity.”
Born in the Philippines, Talplacido is a published author, screenwriter, and award-winning filmmaker. His acclaimed short films “To Ken With Love” and “The Manalos” have screened at festivals including NewFilmmakers LA, Asian World Film Festival, Los Angeles International Children’s Festival, Honolulu Rainbow Film Festival, and the Marina del Rey Film Festival, among others.
“In This Moment” marks Talplacido’s most intimate work yet. “As a queer Filipino immigrant living in the American South, I’ve spent much of my life navigating the intersections of cultural silence, identity, and emotional survival. This story is not autobiographical, but it is emotionally true.”
He also emphasizes the importance of representation. “I rarely see queer Filipino American characters centered in dramatic cinema. Representation still matters, not just in celebratory moments, but in stories that explore our grief, resilience, flaws, and quiet strength. By placing these characters in a Southern suburban setting, I hope to reclaim a space where many of us live but are seldom seen onscreen.”
The film stars John Wilkins III (“The Menu”) and Zeus Oira (“Talk to Me”), alongside Ellen Williams (“A Perfect Christmas Pairing,” “We Have a Ghost”) and Alan Richmond (“House of Cards,” “Homicide Hunter”).
“In This Moment” is a co-production between Talplacido’s production company, KMM Ventures, and Menzies Talent, founded by his longtime collaborator Miralee Menzies.
Additional producers include writer-actor Lily Patel. Presley Paras serves as director of photography, with Maria Sokar as first assistant director.
“It’s truly a team effort,” says Talplacido. “I’m so grateful for this cast and crew. Their talent and passion inspire me daily.”
While the film does not yet have distribution, Talplacido hopes to premiere it at major film festivals both in the U.S. and abroad.