In this profile series, Revry is highlighting authentic contributors to the LGBTQ media and entertainment community. We ask questions to find out who they are and where they are going in the future. The questions remain the same but the answers tell their unique story. It’s time to explore and celebrate true representation beyond the limits of Hollywood. 

Brandon English (He/Him/His) is an Filipinx-American actor, filmmaker, and producer located in Los Angeles, CA. He is best known for his award nominated film “BAKLA,” which has been screened nationwide and internationally through the Film Festival circuit, which includes: QueerX, Vancouver Queer Film Festival, Scottish Queer International Film Festival, Fringe! UK Film Festival, and many more. He recently made his voice dubbing debut as Officer Delaney in Netflix’s Mortel. Some of his favorite theatre credits include: Comfort Women: A New Musical (Dimo Kim Musical Theatre Factory), March (Playwrights’ Arena), and The Tempest (Livermore Shakespeare Festival). In 2019, he was nominated for Broadway World’s Best Supporting Actor in a Musical for his work in Comfort Women: A New Musical. He is also a Producer and Community Organizer for Q Youth Foundation, where he hopes to continue to create safer and braver spaces for the LGBTQ+ community. 

What are you best known for?

I am best known for my debut short film, "BAKLA," which is currently streaming through QueerX. This film was created, produced, and edited all during the peak of the pandemic. It has been such an honor to have it be screened internationally and to even hear that folks have been affected by it. I hope the film continues to impact peoples' lives and continues to create a space of healing and conversation.

What is the first thing you directed?

The first film I directed was actually, "BAKLA." I wrote it after my mom had called me to remind me to greet my grandma "Happy Birthday." For some reason, my heart started racing because I hadn't spoken to her in a long time and I had been concealing my sexual identity from my family. I used "BAKLA" as an outlet to express myself and to free myself through my writing. I remember I finished the script thinking, "There's something raw about this. I wish there wasn’t a pandemic so I could actually shoot it." And then I thought to myself, "Why not shoot it? Why wait?" With the help of my friend Michael Thór (who I was previously quarantined with at the top of the pandemic), we were able to create this beautiful narrative in a span of a week. 

What are you working on that no one knows about yet?

Welllll.....You know the gays love Halloween, and Halloween is definitely my favorite holiday of all time. I have a web series called "MADCAPS," which is exclusively available on Instagram. My co-creator, Jenn O'Brien, and I decided to have a Halloween Special that will release around Thursday, October 28th, 2021. We already have the first season available, so you should watch it before we drop the Halloween Special. If you want a good laugh and love queer narratives showcasing friendship, you should follow the series on Instagram (@madcaps.series.) Besides that, I always have a project up my sleeve so you can follow my updates on them through my Instagram (@brandonuniverse)