A follow up to her documentary “A Thousand Cuts,” Ramona Diaz’s “And So It Begins” follows the 2022 Philippine election, and Vice President Leni Robredo’s run for office. The film lays out the broad strokes of the country’s contemporary politics in the wake of strongman President Rodrigo Duterte, while capturing the groundswell of support for Robredo. However, it features neither the narrative and aesthetic intensity needed for an up-to-the-minute chronicle, nor the political depth required of such vital subject matter, which Diaz’s previous work has in spades.
After a contentious vice presidency — she was elected on a separate ticket from Duterte, as is common in the Philippines — Robredo’s campaign kicks off with grassroots activism awash in pink apparel, often on a scale so large that overhead shots of her rallies barely fit within the frame. With political experience and a moving personal narrative at her back, she seems like a strong candidate to replace Duterte (who’s constitutionally allowed only a single term), while also replacing his violent populism with a more accepting umbrella. Her events are filled with song and dance, occasionally from queer and drag performers, and the generally joyful tone of her camp and supporters feels radical in an era of nationalistic strongmen. However, this aforementioned political dynamic can be divined from the movie’s opening minutes, and what follows seldom dives any deeper.
The former vice president announced on her verified Facebook page the venue partners where block screenings of “And So It Begins” will be held.
“Nakapag-reminisce na ba ang lahat?” wrote the former vice president.
The post lists down the venues of the screening: Cinema 76, Fisher Mall in Malabon, Fisher Mall in Quezon City, Gateway Cineplex in Cubao, Powerplant Makati, Shang Red Carpet in Mandaluyong, Sta. Lucia, SunStar Mall Laguna, Gaisano in Davao, NCCC in Davao and Screenville Alturas in Bohol.
Robredo asked the public to watch out for volunteer groups who will hold block screenings of “And So It Begins” in their areas.
“Amid 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,” the documentary’s synopsis reads. “In a collective act of joy as a form of resistance, hope flickers against the backdrop of increasing autocracy.”
“And So It Begins” is Rated PG (Parental Guidance) by the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board.
