MOVIE REVIEW
And So It Begins
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Genre: Documentary
Year Released: 2024
Runtime: 1h 39m
Director(s): Ramona S. Diaz
Language: English and Filipino with English subtitles
Where To Watch: San Francisco premiere at the 2024 CAAMFest (formerly the San Francisco International Asian American Film Festival)

RAVING REVIEW: AND SO IT BEGINS drops viewers into the tumultuous 2022 Philippine presidential elections, offering an intimate look at the shifting sands of political power. Directed by Ramona S. Diaz, the documentary captures a pivotal moment as a nation grapples with its identity and future. Through a narrative rich with political intrigue and grassroots enthusiasm, the film chronicles the spirited campaign of Leni Robredo and the shadow influence of Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.

Diaz brings her signature incisive perspective to this narrative, dissecting the complex socio-political landscape of the Philippines. AND SO IT BEGINS compares and contrasts Robredo's vibrant, hope-driven campaign against Marcos Jr.'s attacks and desire to drag the country backward instead of moving it into a new generation, presenting a microcosm of global democratic challenges. At its core, the film examines the deep-rooted past while pointing towards a possible rebirth of democratic values. I can only hope that the US can climb this hill at some point as well; I fear for not only our future but the world at large if those candidates running on a platform of hate are allowed to hold office.

Bruce Sakaki's cinematography enhances this exploration by capturing the massive scale of political rallies and the subtleties of campaign strategies. Seeing a sea of pink support for Robredo was an emotionally charged moment, an image that I won’t soon forget. This visual storytelling heightens the drama and immerses the audience in the emotional and cultural stakes of the election, portrayed as a crucial battle for the nation’s soul.

Amidst these compelling storylines, the film integrates a critical subplot featuring Maria Ressa, a staunch advocate for press freedom who embodies the resistance against escalating disinformation. Her story is a poignant reminder of the media's role in safeguarding democracy. I’ve heard part of her story before, but for my life, I can’t remember what film it was. If anyone has any ideas, do let me know!

I would have liked to have seen the documentary analyze the candidates' policies and ideologies more thoroughly. While I understand that wasn’t the focus here, I want to know more about the similarities between these candidates and others worldwide. This could be a call to action that the rest of the world needs to consider.

AND SO IT BEGINS transcends its role as a mere documentary and acts as a reflective mirror of Filipino political culture, intertwining the excitement of electoral campaigns with the harsh realities of political battles. It challenges viewers worldwide to reflect on the essence of truth, the importance of media integrity, and the active role individuals should play in fostering just societies.

The film concludes on a powerful note, extending beyond recounting events to issue a global call to action. This is not just an invitation to observe but a clarion call for proactive engagement in the age of information. Be the change!

Overall, AND SO IT BEGINS is a decisive contribution to political documentary filmmaking, offering an insightful glimpse into the heart of Philippine democracy. With its rich visual narrative and engaging storytelling, the documentary ensures that the saga of the election and its key figures leaves a lasting impact on its audience.

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[photo courtesy of CENTER FOR ASIAN AMERICAN MEDIA (CAAM), CINEDIAZ, INDEPENDENT LENS]

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