Private Project

To Ken With Love

A flamboyant talk show host, who relishes being the "whitest Gaysian ever" grapples with internalized racism, parental rejection, and workplace tokenism.

  • Mike Talplacido
    Director
  • Mike Talplacido
    Writer
    The Perfect Couple
  • Mike Talplacido
    Producer
    The Perfect Couple, Velvet Sky
  • Maria Isabel Lopez
    Key Cast
    "Edna"
  • Mara Lopez
    Key Cast
    "Marikit"
  • Marco Torres
    Key Cast
    "Benny"
  • CJ Basile
    Key Cast
    "Freddy"
  • Steph LeHane
    Key Cast
    "Mia"
  • Jenn O'Brien
    Key Cast
    "Kelly"
  • Joshua Merwise
    Key Cast
    "Male PA"
  • Jefferson Carvey
    Key Cast
    "Teenage Ken"
  • Mike Talplacido
    Key Cast
    "Ken Jones/Ken Dionisio"
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Genres:
    Drama
  • Runtime:
    15 minutes 45 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    December 31, 2022
  • Production Budget:
    25,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    2.35:1
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
  • New Filmmakers LA
    Los Angeles
    United States
    June 17, 2023
    World Premiere
  • Queer Here Cinema
    Los Angeles
    United States
    June 11, 2023
    Special Screening
  • Silicon Beach Film Festival
    Hollywood
    United States
    September 12, 2023
  • Honolulu Rainbow Film Festival
    Honolulu
    United States
    September 11, 2023
    Winner, Best Short Narrative
  • The Filipino Festival
    Manila
    Philippines
    October 30, 2023
    Philippines Premiere
    Top 10 Finalist
  • International Film Festival Manhattan
    New York
    United States
    October 1, 2024
Distribution Information
  • GagaOOLala
    Distributor
    Country: Worldwide
    Rights: Internet, Pay Per View
  • TFC Online
    Distributor
    Country: Worldwide
    Rights: Internet, Video on Demand, Pay Per View
Director Biography - Mike Talplacido

Mike Talplacido is a podcast host, writer, producer, actor and director. His podcast is called “Kiss My Mike,” and it’s primarily focused on topics related to LGBTQ issues, AAPI advocacy, increasing Filipino/x visibility in Entertainment, and uplifting other creatives. In 2021, Mike published his first book, also called “Kiss My Mike,” a memoir about navigating sexuality and racial identity. Mike’s film credits include The Perfect Couple (Writer/Executive Producer), Velvet Sky (Executive Producer) and To Ken with Love (Writer/Actor/Director).

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

“To Ken with Love” is my love letter to the Gay Asian community.

It is a story about KEN JONES, a flamboyant talk show host who relishes being the "whitest Gaysian ever" and takes pride in being the only Asian in the room.

I was inspired to tell this story because it is something that I have seen in my own community. I realize much of this phenomenon was really a result of internalized racism. As a Filipino-American and an Asian-American, I have seen so many of us struggle with our own identities. Many of us have felt "not enough" and as such have chosen to stay away from our own identities and culture. Worst, a few others I know have even "hated" themselves for being who they are (myself included at some point in the past).

This story needs to be told NOW. There is such a strong momentum going on for diversity and inclusion. However, while there's been some progress made across the board, there's also still so much more we can do to create change and make a positive impact. It is also important for actions to start from within ourselves. And so, for a lot of Filipino-Americans and Asian-Americans, we must smash every bit of notion related to internalized racism. We must learn to love who we are and embrace our unique beauty.

I hope that I would be given a chance to share my work to everyone. Thank you so much!