A documentary film exploring the 2022 presidential campaign of former vice president Ma. Leonor “Leni” Robredo has been named an official entry to the highly acclaimed Sundance Film Festival, scheduled for 2024. Directed by the renowned filmmaker Ramona Diaz, “And So It Begins” will make its premiere at the festival, shedding light on the Robredo “People’s Campaign.”
The film’s description on the festival website sets the stage, 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.”
Expressing her excitement, Robredo took to Facebook to congratulate Diaz and expressed her hopes for the film to 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.”
Director Ramona Diaz, known for her critically acclaimed movies such as “A Thousand Cuts” and “Motherland,” has captured the essence of Robredo’s campaign and the challenges faced by the nation. Through her lens, Diaz brings to the international audience a deeper understanding of the unique political landscape in the Philippines.
Following her second-place finish in the previous year’s elections, where she lost to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Robredo has taken on the role of chairman of Angat Buhay, a non-government organization she founded. Additionally, she has been actively engaged in speaking engagements both at home and abroad, sharing her insights and advocating for causes close to her heart.
The Sundance Film Festival, known for showcasing groundbreaking independent films, will take place from January 25 to 28, 2024, in Park City, Utah, United States. This prestigious platform will provide a global audience with the opportunity to witness the impact of Robredo’s campaign and the resilience of the Filipino people.
As the film “And So It Begins” premieres at Sundance, it will not only captivate audiences with its compelling narrative but also serve as a catalyst for conversations around the importance of truth, democracy, and the power of collective action. Through the lens of Ramona Diaz, viewers will gain a deeper appreciation for the challenges faced by the Filipino people and the hope that emerges amidst adversity.
Robredo’s hopes for the film’s premiere in the Philippines by April 2024 reflect the desire to share this powerful story with her fellow countrymen, allowing them to witness and reflect upon their own journey towards a better future.
The inclusion of “And So It Begins” in the Sundance Film Festival lineup is a testament to the film’s quality and the impact of Robredo’s campaign. It is a recognition of the importance of highlighting stories that inspire change and ignite conversations on a global scale.
As the world eagerly awaits the premiere of “And So It Begins” at the Sundance Film Festival 2024, audiences can anticipate a thought-provoking exploration of the power of the people and the resilience of hope in the face of adversity.
Source: The Manila Times
