Following its successful premiere at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival, the much-anticipated documentary ‘And So It Begins’ by acclaimed filmmaker Ramona S. Diaz is set to hit Philippine cinemas this August.
‘And So It Begins’ is a compelling 115-minute documentary that provides an intimate look into Leni Robredo’s presidential campaign during the 2022 national elections.
The film offers a profound insight into the battle for democracy in the Philippines, exploring the question: “Mahirap ba talaga mahalin ang Pilipinas?”
Renowned for her deep understanding of the Philippines’ socio-political landscape, Diaz presents an unfiltered portrayal of the country as it transitions from the authoritarian regime of President Rodrigo Duterte. The documentary features unprecedented access to key figures and events leading up to the 2022 presidential election, showcasing Diaz’s signature observational style.
Set against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic, ‘And So It Begins’ captures the vibrant resistance movement that emerged during the campaign. The film weaves together multiple narratives, presenting a dynamic and multifaceted view of a nation fighting for its soul amidst political turmoil.
The documentary includes appearances by notable figures such as Leni Robredo, Maria Ressa, Bongbong Marcos, Sara Duterte, Imelda Marcos, Kiko Pangilinan, and President Rodrigo Duterte. It will be released in theaters nationwide on August 21, in commemoration of Ninoy Aquino Day.
‘And So It Begins’ is seen as a companion piece to Diaz’s earlier work, ‘A Thousand Cuts,’ which focused on Nobel Laureate Maria Ressa’s struggle for press freedom in the Philippines.
