The Philippines has selected And So It Begins, a documentary on former Vice President Leni Robredo’s 2022 presidential campaign, as its official entry for the Best International Feature Film category at the 97th Academy Awards. The Film Academy of the Philippines (FAP) made the announcement on Wednesday.
Directed by Filipino American filmmaker Ramona Diaz, the documentary chronicles Robredo’s grassroots campaign during the 2022 Philippine national and local elections, highlighting her journey and the people she encountered along the way. The film also delves into the political dynamics of the time, featuring key figures such as President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., Vice President Sara Duterte, former president Rodrigo Duterte, and Nobel Prize-winning journalist Maria Ressa, among others.
This marks the first time the Philippines has submitted a documentary to the Oscars. “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,” said Jona Jane Tajonera of J3 Marketing and Productions, the film’s New York distributor.
And So It Begins will premiere in New York City in November, with exact screening details yet to be announced. The 97th Academy Awards will take place on March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood and will be broadcast live in over 200 territories worldwide.
