Fil-Am-helmed docu on Leni Robredo is premiering at Sundance

2024 Sundance lineup includes “And So It Begins,” a docu on Robredo’s campaign | Still from “And So It Begins” via Sundance Film Festival’s website

Remember when pop icon Ariana Grande reposted an Instagram story of a pink-clad crowd belting out her chart-topping song “Break Free”? Sans any context, it could easily be mistaken for a typical concert audience (ardently) singing along to their idol. 

But no, it was actually a flock of Filipinos rallying behind the campaign of then-presidential candidate Atty. Leni Robredo.

While it has already been nearly two years since then, bits and pieces from Robredo’s “pink movement” remain vivid in our collective memory: the witty placards, her campaign jingle that could pass as an OPM song, and videos of her arguments from presidential debate sessions and interviews.

That is all there is to it, though. Until now, we’ve only ever seen glimpses of her 2022 presidential race through shaky supporter-taken photos and clips, trending X (formerly Twitter) hashtags, and official campaign paraphernalia. It’s like trying to figure out the whole plot via a 30-second trailer—sure, it’s intriguing, but we’re left craving more. 

Fortunately, that “craving” seems to be satiated soon in the form of “And So It Begins,” a full-length documentary film directed by Filipino-American filmmaker Ramona Diaz (“A Thousand Cuts,” “Imelda”) and is premiering at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival from Jan. 18 to 28.

AND SO IT BEGINS
Dir. Ramona S. Diaz (@CineDiaz)
Premieres pic.twitter.com/u0if9ilIKQ

— Sundance Film Festival (@sundancefest) December 6, 2023

Leni Robredo and the Filipino fight for democracy

After witnessing threats to press freedom, alleged extrajudicial killings, and the political turmoil that happened prior to the 2022 national elections, a lot of Filipinos were seemingly desperate for a shift towards a more democratic future.

This would only be made possible, though, if someone who recognizes and understands the plight of the Filipino steps up to the plate. And so the “pink movement” begins.

“And So It Begins” takes viewers behind the scenes of the movement—an act of resistance “against the backdrop of increasing autocracy.” It’s labeled the companion piece of Diaz’s previous film “A Thousand Cuts,” which also sheds light on the realities of press freedom in the Philippines.

We are Sundance-bound!!! Thank you @sundancefest. So many people to thank but none more than @raneyaronson. She’s been there from the very beginning. https://t.co/Td8KcDXEiK

— Ramona Diaz (@CineDiaz) December 6, 2023

According to Sundance, the documentary “chronicles what the defenders of democracy in the Philippines have experienced and is a haunting depiction of what is at stake in elections around the world.”

Other Filipino films to catch at Sundance

Besides “And So It Begins,” three Filipino-made short films have also made it to this year’s festival: “Bold Eagle” by Whammy Alcazaren, “Thirstygirl” by Alexandra Qin, and “Dream Creep” by Carlos A.F. Lopez.

The lineup includes two US movies starring Golden Globe nominee (and “A Very Good Girl” actress) Dolly de Leon as well: “Between the Temples” by Nathan Silver and “Ghostlight” by Kelly O’Sullivan.

Interested? You can check out the screening schedule—and purchase your tickets—via Sundance Film Festival’s official website.