Skip to content
What's After the Movie?
Documentary

Call Her Ganda (2018): Cast & Ratings

Call Her Ganda (2018) movie poster

Call Her Ganda is a 2018 documentary directed by PJ Raval, starring Julita Laude, Meredith Talusan and Naomi Fontanos. It runs 1 hour 33 minutes. Critics gave it 100% on Rotten Tomatoes and 61 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 6.5/10.

IMDb rating
6.5/10
Rotten Tomatoes
100%
Echo Score
67
Metascore
61
Loading streaming availability…
Call Her Ganda (2018) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 33m (93 min)
Director
PJ Raval
Genre
Documentary
Original language
Filipino
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Call Her Ganda About?

The premise of Call Her Ganda without spoilers.

The death of transgender Filipina woman Jennifer Laude ignites a wave of activism and suspicion when authorities investigate a U.S. Marine. This documentary explores the repercussions of her murder, exposing the intricate dynamics between the United States and the Philippines. It delves into political power struggles and human rights issues, revealing a challenging and complex situation.

Call Her Ganda Themes & Keywords

· 1 tag
  • trans history
Loading streaming availability…
Cast & crew

Call Her Ganda Cast

Julita Laude leads the cast, with Meredith Talusan and Naomi Fontanos. Directed by PJ Raval; 4 actors are credited in all.

From the director

More from PJ Raval

More films directed by PJ Raval, best-rated first: Before You Know It, Who We Become and Trinidad.

Full filmography
Ratings

Call Her Ganda Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave Call Her Ganda 100% on Rotten Tomatoes and 61 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 6.5/10. Our Echo Score gives it 67/100, strongest in character & emotion (75) and weakest in rewatch factor (55).

67 /100

Call Her Ganda Echo Score Breakdown

Call Her Ganda earns a moderate rating for its empathetic focus and persistent examination of transphobic violence. Critics applaud its heart and impactful testimony, citing the depth of Laude’s family narrative and the film’s insistence that the crime not be forgotten. However, the documentary’s pacing and structural unevenness, with some scattershot segments and an overload of material, limit its cohesion. On balance, the film’s emotional resonance and advocacy message remain compelling despite its occasional lack of focus.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 65

    In terms of art and craft, the film shows clear intention but uneven structure. The direction conveys emotional clarity in key interview sequences, yet the editing sometimes feels rushed as the documentary attempts to cover extensive material in 93 minutes. Production design and visual framing are serviceable but not distinctive. Overall, the film’s art direction supports its urgent message even if stylistic flourishes are limited.

  • Character & Emotion 75

    When it comes to character and emotion, the documentary excels at portraying intimate moments with Laude’s family. The interviews capture genuine grief and love, imbuing the narrative with heartfelt connection. While the film does not dramatize scenes, it nonetheless offers a nuanced portrayal of transmission and activism. In sum, the emotional core is compelling and forms the documentary’s strongest human element.

  • Story & Flow 60

    In terms of story and flow, the film’s narrative balance is uneven. It foregrounds the Laude murder case with commendable focus but occasionally strays into broader sociopolitical context that dilutes pacing. Some viewers may find the scattered approach undermines coherence, as key details receive only cursory attention. Despite these issues, the film maintains engagement through its urgent subject matter and clear argumentative thread.

  • Sensory Experience 70

    When it comes to sensory experience, the documentary delivers a straightforward audiovisual presentation. The score and sound design underscore emotional beats without becoming intrusive, and the visual style emphasizes naturalistic framing over stylized cinematography. While the approach fosters clarity, it offers few memorable visual or auditory flourishes. Overall, the sensory elements are polished yet restrained, reinforcing the film’s documentary realism.

  • Rewatch Factor 55

    Regarding rewatch value, the film’s significance lies in its advocacy and human story, which may inspire repeat viewings for its informative content. However, the dense material and somewhat cluttered structure could hinder enjoyment on subsequent watches. A strong emotional core may draw viewers back, but the lack of narrative refinement may limit enduring appeal. Consequently, the film offers moderate replay value, primarily for its subject matter rather than formal innovation.

Videos

Call Her Ganda Trailers & Videos

The trailer of Call Her Ganda.

CALL HER GANDA - Official Trailer

Seen Call Her Ganda?

FAQ

Call Her Ganda FAQ: Cast, Runtime & Release Date

Runtime, release date, director, cast, ratings, post-credit scenes and language of Call Her Ganda, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Call Her Ganda?

Call Her Ganda runs 1 hour 33 minutes (93 minutes).

When was Call Her Ganda released?

Call Her Ganda was released on September 21, 2018.

Who directed Call Her Ganda?

Call Her Ganda was directed by PJ Raval.

More films by PJ Raval

Who is in the cast of Call Her Ganda?

Call Her Ganda stars Julita Laude, Meredith Talusan and Naomi Fontanos, among 4 credited actors.

How is Call Her Ganda rated?

Call Her Ganda has 6.5/10 on IMDb, 100% on Rotten Tomatoes, 61 on Metacritic and 54% on TMDB.

Does Call Her Ganda have a post-credit scene?

No. Call Her Ganda has no extra scene during or after the credits.

What language is Call Her Ganda in?

The original language of Call Her Ganda is Filipino.

Coming soon to your phone

The Plot Explained Movie Summary App

From blockbusters to hidden gems: plot summaries, endings explained and timelines on your phone. Save your favorites and never miss a twist again.

Be the first to know when it launches. Your email stays private, always. Learn more about the app