MANILA, Philippines: A documentary film on the 2022 presidential campaign of former vice president Ma. Leonor “Leni” Robredo has been named an official entry to the prestigious 2024 Sundance Film Festival. The film, titled “And So It Begins,” directed by the award-winning filmmaker Ramona Diaz, will make its premiere at the festival and provide an intimate look into Robredo’s “People’s Campaign” during the 2022 elections.
The film’s description on the festival website captures the essence of the documentary, stating, “Amidst 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.”
Robredo, expressing her excitement, took to Facebook to congratulate Diaz and expressed her hope that the film would premiere in the Philippines by April. She wrote, “Congratulations to award-winning filmmaker Ramona Diaz. Her latest documentary, And So It Begins, about our People’s Campaign made it to the Sundance Film Festival 2024, the largest independent film festival in the US. The movie will premiere this January during the Sundance Week in Utah. Hopefully, it will be shown here in the Philippines by April 2024.”
Ramona Diaz is known for her exceptional work in the film industry, with notable films such as “A Thousand Cuts” and “Motherland” under her belt. Her selection for the Sundance Film Festival further solidifies her reputation as a talented and influential filmmaker.
The Sundance Film Festival, considered one of the most prestigious film festivals in the world, will take place from January 25 to 28, 2024. It serves as a platform for independent filmmakers to showcase their work to an international audience, fostering creativity and diversity within the film industry.
Being selected as an official entry to the Sundance Film Festival is a significant achievement for any filmmaker. It not only provides exposure to a global audience but also opens doors to potential distribution deals and further recognition in the industry. For “And So It Begins” and its director, Ramona Diaz, this recognition is a testament to their exceptional storytelling and the importance of their subject matter.
The documentary offers an intimate and behind-the-scenes look into the 2022 presidential campaign of Leni Robredo, a prominent figure in Philippine politics. Robredo’s “People’s Campaign” aimed to address the threats to truth and democracy that the nation faced during that time. By capturing the essence of this movement, Diaz’s film sheds light on the resilience and determination of the Filipino people in the face of adversity.
With the film’s premiere at the Sundance Film Festival, international audiences will have the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the political landscape in the Philippines and the challenges faced by those fighting for truth and democracy. It serves as a reminder that the struggle for these fundamental values is not limited to any one country but is a universal endeavor.
As the festival dates draw near, film enthusiasts and critics eagerly await the premiere of “And So It Begins” and its subsequent release in the Philippines. The film’s selection for the Sundance Film Festival speaks to its potential to captivate audiences and spark important conversations on a global scale.
Ultimately, the inclusion of “And So It Begins” in the Sundance Film Festival 2024 lineup highlights the power of documentary filmmaking to bring attention to critical social and political issues. By providing a platform for diverse voices and perspectives, festivals like Sundance play a vital role in fostering dialogue and promoting understanding among audiences worldwide.
Source: The Manila Times
