‘AND SO IT BEGINS’ PHILIPPINES OFFICIAL ENTRY AT OSCARS


A documentary on former VP Leni Robredo's presidential campaign in 2022 has been selected as the Philippines’ official entry to the Oscars (Photo courtesy of Fap Orig/Inquirer)
The documentary film “And So It Begins” directed by Ramona S. Diaz has been selected as the official entry of the Philippines for the Best International Feature Film category at the 97th Academy Awards, also known as the Oscars.
“The Film Academy of the Philippines (FAP) is pleased to proclaim And So It Begins by Ramona S. Diaz as the Philippines’ entry to the 97th Academy Awards! Congratulations!” FAP special projects officer Raymond Diamzon stated as he announced the news, with photos of Diaz receiving the plaque.
“And So It Begins” is a documentary film that tells the journey of former Vice President Leni Robredo’s presidential run during the 2022 national and local election. It also provides an in-depth look at the complexity of Philippine politics, and focuses on political personalities such as President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr, Vice President Sara Duterte, former president Rodrigo Duterte, former senator Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan, former first lady Imelda Marcos and journalist Maria Ressa, among others.
The film first premiered at the Sundace Film Festival 2024 and debuted at the 2024 Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival which was screened at a limited number of cinemas in the country.
"This marks the first ever documentary submission from the Philippines, a year after its first animated film submission Carl Papa's Iti Mapukpukaw."
According to Golden Globe Voter Nicole Andrew Latayan, “Ramona Diaz joins a small list of female directors whose works have been submitted as Philippine entries for Best International Feature Film at the #Oscars joining Marilou Diaz-Abaya (Karnal, 1984; Milagros, 1997; Sa Pusod ng Dagat, 1998), Rory Quintos (Anak, 2000) and Hannah Espia (Transit, 2013).”
The documentary runs for 113 minutes and as defined by the Oscars, an international film is “a feature-length motion picture (over 40 minutes) produced outside the United States of America and its territories with a predominantly (more than 50%) non-English dialogue track. Animated and documentary feature films are permitted.”
A New York film distributor said “This is a momentous achievement for Filipino cinema and a testament to the powerful storytelling and talent that our country continues to bring to the world stage. Let’s show our support for the film as it embarks on this exciting journey to the Oscars!”
Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer
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