DIRECTOR: Ramona S. Diaz
STARRING: documentary
RUNNING TIME: 1 hr 39 minutes
LANGUAGE: Filipino, English
Admist the traditional pomp and circumstance of Filipino elections, a quirky people's movement rises to defend the nation against deepening threats to truth and democracy. In a collective act of joy as a form of resistance, hope flickers against the backdrop of increasing autocracy.
***
And So It Begins is the latest film from acclaimed director Ramona S. Diaz. This film is a companion film to A Thousand Cuts that tackles CEO Maria Ressa’s fight against disinformation and for press freedom. The film made its worldwide debut at the Sundance Film Festival in January 2024, while A Thousand Cuts also premiered in the same festival in 2020. It has since played in dozens of film festivals around the world. The film debuted in theatres across the Philippines in August 2024.
The news was announced on the Facebook page of the Film Academy of the Philippines (FAP) on Wednesday, September 25th, with pictures of Diaz receiving the plaque for being the winner to represent the Philippines for the Oscars.
The film is produced by CineDiaz. along with Independent Lens and CAAM.
And So It Begins is a documentary and it was filmed mainly in Manila, Philippines.
To check out all previous submissions for the Philippines, click HERE.
STARRING: documentary
RUNNING TIME: 1 hr 39 minutes
LANGUAGE: Filipino, English
Admist the traditional pomp and circumstance of Filipino elections, a quirky people's movement rises to defend the nation against deepening threats to truth and democracy. In a collective act of joy as a form of resistance, hope flickers against the backdrop of increasing autocracy.
***
And So It Begins is the latest film from acclaimed director Ramona S. Diaz. This film is a companion film to A Thousand Cuts that tackles CEO Maria Ressa’s fight against disinformation and for press freedom. The film made its worldwide debut at the Sundance Film Festival in January 2024, while A Thousand Cuts also premiered in the same festival in 2020. It has since played in dozens of film festivals around the world. The film debuted in theatres across the Philippines in August 2024.
The news was announced on the Facebook page of the Film Academy of the Philippines (FAP) on Wednesday, September 25th, with pictures of Diaz receiving the plaque for being the winner to represent the Philippines for the Oscars.
The film is produced by CineDiaz. along with Independent Lens and CAAM.
And So It Begins is a documentary and it was filmed mainly in Manila, Philippines.
To check out all previous submissions for the Philippines, click HERE.
FILM REVIEW:
(This review contains spoilers.)
“And I cannot promise that I can give you a rose-colored world. And I cannot shine light on all of the shadows, but I swear that I’ll try.”
And So It Begins, directed by Ramona S. Diaz, is a compelling documentary that follows the 2022 Philippine presidential election, focusing on Vice President Leni Robredo's courageous campaign against Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr., the son of the former dictator. Diaz, known for her insightful documentaries on Filipino politics and society, brings her sharp storytelling skills to bear once again, crafting a visually striking and emotionally resonant chronicle of a pivotal moment in the country’s history. Through powerful imagery and interviews, the film captures the passion, hope, and determination of Robredo's grassroots movement, while also providing a timely reflection on the global rise of right-wing populism.
One of the film’s greatest strengths lies in its ability to immerse viewers in the electrifying atmosphere of Robredo’s rallies. The scenes of her supporters, clad in pink and united by a shared vision for a better future, are captivating. Diaz's camera beautifully captures the energy of these large-scale events, where music, dance, and political advocacy merge in an almost celebratory spirit. These moments serve as a powerful reminder of the potential for joy and solidarity in the fight for democracy, even in the face of overwhelming challenges.
Diaz also shines in her portrayal of the opposition. She skillfully juxtaposes Robredo’s campaign with the disinformation and propaganda spread by Marcos Jr.’s camp, offering viewers a glimpse into the insidious tactics used to manipulate public perception. The film’s exploration of social media’s role in shaping modern politics is both timely and enlightening. It underscores the complexity of the battle Robredo and her team faced, as they struggled to counteract a well-oiled machine of misinformation, much of which was aimed at discrediting her and her message of inclusive governance.
What makes And So It Begins particularly compelling is its emotional core. Diaz balances the political narrative with personal moments that humanize Robredo and her supporters. These quieter scenes, where Robredo shares her motivations and struggles, offer a glimpse into her resilience and dedication. It is in these moments that the film transcends being merely a political documentary and becomes a portrait of hope, perseverance, and the fight for justice. Diaz’s empathetic approach to storytelling allows viewers to connect with Robredo on a deeply personal level, making her loss in the election all the more poignant.
And So It Begins is a visually striking documentary that captures both the spirit of a political movement and the challenges of confronting authoritarianism in the digital age. Though the film’s focus remains largely on Robredo's campaign, its exploration of disinformation, populism, and grassroots activism resonates far beyond the Philippines. Diaz has once again proven her ability to tackle complex political issues with nuance and humanity, making And So It Begins a must-watch for anyone interested in understanding the intersection of politics, media, and democracy in today’s world.
(This review contains spoilers.)
“And I cannot promise that I can give you a rose-colored world. And I cannot shine light on all of the shadows, but I swear that I’ll try.”
And So It Begins, directed by Ramona S. Diaz, is a compelling documentary that follows the 2022 Philippine presidential election, focusing on Vice President Leni Robredo's courageous campaign against Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr., the son of the former dictator. Diaz, known for her insightful documentaries on Filipino politics and society, brings her sharp storytelling skills to bear once again, crafting a visually striking and emotionally resonant chronicle of a pivotal moment in the country’s history. Through powerful imagery and interviews, the film captures the passion, hope, and determination of Robredo's grassroots movement, while also providing a timely reflection on the global rise of right-wing populism.
One of the film’s greatest strengths lies in its ability to immerse viewers in the electrifying atmosphere of Robredo’s rallies. The scenes of her supporters, clad in pink and united by a shared vision for a better future, are captivating. Diaz's camera beautifully captures the energy of these large-scale events, where music, dance, and political advocacy merge in an almost celebratory spirit. These moments serve as a powerful reminder of the potential for joy and solidarity in the fight for democracy, even in the face of overwhelming challenges.
Diaz also shines in her portrayal of the opposition. She skillfully juxtaposes Robredo’s campaign with the disinformation and propaganda spread by Marcos Jr.’s camp, offering viewers a glimpse into the insidious tactics used to manipulate public perception. The film’s exploration of social media’s role in shaping modern politics is both timely and enlightening. It underscores the complexity of the battle Robredo and her team faced, as they struggled to counteract a well-oiled machine of misinformation, much of which was aimed at discrediting her and her message of inclusive governance.
What makes And So It Begins particularly compelling is its emotional core. Diaz balances the political narrative with personal moments that humanize Robredo and her supporters. These quieter scenes, where Robredo shares her motivations and struggles, offer a glimpse into her resilience and dedication. It is in these moments that the film transcends being merely a political documentary and becomes a portrait of hope, perseverance, and the fight for justice. Diaz’s empathetic approach to storytelling allows viewers to connect with Robredo on a deeply personal level, making her loss in the election all the more poignant.
And So It Begins is a visually striking documentary that captures both the spirit of a political movement and the challenges of confronting authoritarianism in the digital age. Though the film’s focus remains largely on Robredo's campaign, its exploration of disinformation, populism, and grassroots activism resonates far beyond the Philippines. Diaz has once again proven her ability to tackle complex political issues with nuance and humanity, making And So It Begins a must-watch for anyone interested in understanding the intersection of politics, media, and democracy in today’s world.
