Director Adolf Alix, Jr. is presenting a brave love story with his latest film, Unconditional, which explores complex emotions and “the challenges of loving someone for who they truly are.”
In an exclusive interview with Manila Standard Entertainment, Alix shared his vision for the film, the importance of inclusivity, and the dynamics of working with accomplished actors Allen Dizon and Rhian Ramos.
Unconditional, which offers an honest and emotional look at love, identity, and acceptance, is a romance between a woman and a trans man, and Alix emphasizes the importance of portraying the characters authentically.
“We made sure to have a consultant because the goal is to represent the character as truthfully as possible,” Alix explained. “From the start, we wanted the audience to know that the main character is a trans man. It’s not a twist in the story—it’s established early on.”
The film’s focus on accuracy and truth highlights Alix’s commitment to inclusivity in cinema, a space often overlooked by mainstream film.
Alix also spoke about the film’s exploration of love and acceptance. “We titled the film Unconditional because we wanted to ask if romantic love is truly unconditional,” he said. “Are you loving the person for who they are, or is it based on certain expectations? The core of the story is about a woman who falls in love with a trans man and has to confront her emotions.”
This emotional exploration forces both characters—and the audience—to reconsider societal assumptions about love and identity.
The film’s setting in Siargao, where tourism and local life intertwine, plays a key role in the story. Alix chose Siargao as a location because it embodies the coexistence of different communities.
“We needed a place where both tourists and the local community coexist. The character’s move from Siargao to the city reflects his personal journey,” Alix said. “The picturesque yet grounded environment of Siargao provides a fitting backdrop for the emotional and social challenges the characters face.”
The film also relies heavily on the chemistry between its lead actors, Allen Dizon and Rhian Ramos. Alix recognized the importance of bringing their connection to life on screen.
“It’s a love story, so the challenge is making their chemistry come alive. They’re both talented actors, but they need to help each other convince the audience that they’re truly in love,” Alix explained.
In his approach to storytelling, Alix encourages the audience to embrace their own experiences without fear of judgment.
“Never be afraid to pursue anything. If you feel something for someone, go for it. You can’t judge based on other people’s opinions. You have to experience it for yourself,” he said.
