New Movies: And so it begins (2024) by Ramona S. Diaz
- dailyentertainment95
- 1 day ago
- 5 min read
Link to watch: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt30320931/
Link IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt30320931/
About movie: https://www.cinephil.com/film/and-so-it-begins
Detailed Summary
“And So It Begins” is a 2024 Philippine political documentary directed by Ramona S. Diaz that follows the highly charged 2022 Philippine presidential elections. The film centers on Vice President Leni Robredo’s grassroots campaign, her supporters’ dedication, and the political and cultural headwinds she faced while running against Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., son of the former dictator. It also includes coverage of Nobel Peace Prize-winning journalist Maria Ressa, as she continues her battle for press freedom in the face of disinformation, online attacks, and government harassment. Diaz crafts a compelling, character-driven political narrative that explores the fragile state of democracy in the Philippines while subtly drawing parallels with global political climates.
Plot Summary
The film documents the lead-up to the 2022 elections in the Philippines, portraying Leni Robredo's underdog campaign as a fight for transparency, truth, and democracy. Interwoven throughout is the story of Maria Ressa, who embodies the resistance to media oppression and political misinformation. With behind-the-scenes access, the film captures the campaign's emotional highs and lows, from euphoric rallies to the sobering election results.
Director’s Vision
Ramona S. Diaz envisioned the film as a portrait of democratic resistance in an age of disinformation and strongman politics. Her goal was to capture the human side of political activism and show the emotional and societal weight carried by women who challenge entrenched power. She emphasized the importance of documenting this historical moment for Filipinos and for global audiences facing similar threats to democratic institutions.
Themes
Democracy in CrisisDiaz portrays democracy as fragile and at risk, especially in the face of misinformation, historical revisionism, and populist politics.
Grassroots Power and ActivismThe film highlights the youth-driven, volunteer-based political movement behind Robredo, showing the energy and hope that comes from collective civic action.
Media Suppression and MisinformationThrough Maria Ressa’s storyline, the film critiques social media disinformation and the erosion of journalistic integrity under authoritarian pressure.
Women in PowerBoth Robredo and Ressa symbolize resistance and leadership in a patriarchal, politically charged environment.
Key Success Factors
Exclusive and Intimate AccessThe documentary benefits from Diaz’s unparalleled access to Robredo’s campaign and Ressa’s legal battle, offering behind-the-scenes insights rarely seen in political documentaries.
Timeliness and Global RelevanceThe themes echo across the globe — from Brazil to the U.S. — wherever democratic institutions face threats.
Emotional StorytellingThe film balances political analysis with raw emotion and human resilience, helping the audience connect with the figures at its center.
Award-Winning DirectorDiaz’s previous work ("A Thousand Cuts") gives this film added credibility and exposure in the international festival circuit.
Summary (Short)
A powerful political documentary chronicling the 2022 Philippine election, focusing on Vice President Leni Robredo’s democratic fight against authoritarianism and journalist Maria Ressa’s battle for truth amidst disinformation and media suppression.
Awards and Nominations
Selected as Philippines' official entry for Best International Feature Film at the 97th Academy Awards, the first documentary ever submitted by the country.
Nominated for the Truth Award at the 2024 Dokufest International Documentary and Short Film Festival.
Premiered at Sundance Film Festival 2024 in the U.S. Documentary Competition section.
Critics Reception (with Sources)
RogerEbert.com: Called it "a shaggy, shapeless film" but acknowledged its political urgency.
Asian Movie Pulse: Praised its relevance but criticized its lack of depth.
The Contending: Frank Avella praised it as “frighteningly timely” and “a cautionary tale.”
The Movie Buff: Highlighted its emotional impact and hope-filled message.
Rotten Tomatoes: Mixed reviews, averaging moderate critical praise for storytelling but noted issues with structure.
Summary: Critics agree that the film is urgent and emotionally resonant, though some felt it didn’t dig deep enough into its subjects' complexities.
Reviews (Summary from Sites)
IMDb: Users rated it favorably for its emotional storytelling and political insight.
FilmAffinity: Positive reception for character focus and real-time documentation.
Letterboxd: Users appreciated the grassroots portrayal but echoed critiques about pacing and cohesion.
Production Summary
The film was independently produced with support from international documentary funds. Diaz worked with a compact crew to maintain intimacy and flexibility during filming, especially during the volatile political climate.
Production Companies
Cinediaz – PhilippinesIndependent production house founded by Ramona S. Diaz, specializing in political and cultural documentaries.
Sales Companies
Cinephil – IsraelAn internationally renowned sales agent for high-quality documentaries. Cinephil also represents award-winning titles like The Act of Killing and Flee.
Distribution Companies
PBS – Independent Lens – USAPartnered with Diaz to bring the film to U.S. television and streaming platforms in late 2024.
Ramona S. Diaz (self-distribution) – PhilippinesOpted for self-distribution due to the film’s political nature, ensuring control over how and when the film was released.
Release Dates
Theatrical Release (Philippines): August 21, 2024
Why to Recommend this Movie (with bullets)
Educational and Enlightening: Offers critical insights into how disinformation affects democracy.
Inspiring Women Leadership: Showcases the courage of two female leaders in a male-dominated political space.
Global Parallels: Resonates with similar democratic challenges across the world.
Visually and Emotionally Engaging: Mixes striking visuals with deeply personal moments.
Why You Should Watch Movie (with bullets)
To Understand the Power of Grassroots Movements: Witness how ordinary citizens rally for democracy.
For Context on Global Misinformation Trends: Learn how false narratives can shape election outcomes.
To Support Independent Political Filmmaking: Engage with important stories that mainstream media may not fully cover.
To Be Inspired by Resilience: Both Robredo and Ressa embody hope and courage under pressure.
What Movie Trend Film is Following
Trend Name: "Political Real-Time Documentaries" Summary: Reflects the growing popularity of documentaries that follow political events as they unfold, offering immediacy and urgency. Films like Navalny and All the Beauty and the Bloodshed have paved the way.
What Big Social Trend is Following
Trend Name: "Resilience in the Face of Authoritarianism" Summary: Taps into a global wave of resistance against authoritarian leaders and disinformation. Highlights the growing importance of democratic activism and independent journalism.
Final Verdict
"And So It Begins" is a vital documentary for understanding the state of democracy in the Philippines and beyond. With raw emotional energy, powerful storytelling, and a critical political lens, it deserves attention from viewers who care about truth, justice, and the fight to reclaim democratic values.
Recommendations for Filmmakers (with bullets)
Secure Access Early: Gaining close access to central figures provides unparalleled narrative authenticity.
Document in Real Time: Capturing events as they unfold creates urgency and emotional engagement.
Maintain Narrative Focus: Even in sprawling political stories, focus on individual arcs to humanize the issues.
Be Prepared for Political Backlash: Films that tackle power must be resilient to censorship or threats.
Recommendations for the Movie Industry (with bullets)
Support Political Documentaries: Fund and promote films that hold power accountable.
Invest in Global Stories: Give attention to democratic struggles outside Western contexts.
Enhance Festival Platforms for Documentaries: Ensure diverse political voices are heard in major festival circuits.
Enable Self-Distribution: Support independent directors in bringing politically sensitive films directly to audiences.
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