The documentary film ‘And So It Begins’ is said to hit the cinemas this August 21 with the release of the official trailer today, July 31. Directed by award-winning filmmaker, Ramona S. Diaz, the film captures former Vice President Leni Robredo’s campaign for the presidency. The documentary film also stars Nobel Peace Prize laureate Maria Ressa.
‘And So It Begins’ was first showcased at the LA Sundance Film Festival 2024 last January. In discussing the film, Ressa humorously recalled how she did not quite agree with the storytelling that Diaz made for the film.
Ressa jested, “I got mad at Ramona. I was like, ‘Stop showing me angry!’ I spent my entire career learning to squash my anger and then she only shows me when I’m angry in this film.”
“All my calmness was gone in this film,” Ressa added. “Our problem is that that emotion is vulnerability. That is vulnerability for a journalist, that will be attacked.
Ressa’s concern was reasonable as someone who advocates for truth in journalism and was a target for many years by harsh comments online during the Rodrigo Duterte administration.
Among other aspects, the documentary film details the impact of the previous Philippine presidency.
Ultimately, Ressa said that the insights offered by the film are more significant given the ongoing efforts to dismantle press freedom and sway elections in countries such as the Philippines.
The film captures the hope, heartbreak, difficulties and bravery experienced by Filipinos during the 2022 presidential elections.
In addition to showcasing Filipinos resisting oppression and striving for the betterment of the country, the film prominently features Ressa and former Philippine Vice President Leni Robredo.
Photo Courtesy: Solar Pictures PH