09/09/2024
‘And so it begins’
By Herman M. Lagon
IMPULSES
This column contains mild spoilers for the documentary "And So It Begins."
In an era where truth seems increasingly fragile, Ramona Diaz's 99-minute documentary "And So It Begins" offers a compelling reflection on the heavy toll of standing up for what is right and true in the face of principle-compromised opposition. The film, with its plea for "radical love," takes viewers on an intense emotional journey, capturing the stark swings between hope and despair in a world teetering on the edge of authoritarianism.
From its opening moments, the film immerses us in the vivid, if melancholic, pink-hued world of the 2022 Presidential Election. The camera's distant gaze captures VP Leni Robredo from afar, blending into the sea of pink and roses that symbolized her campaign. According to the filmmakers, this distance is intentional, placing viewers among the crowd, experiencing Robredo as the masses did—both as a symbol of hope and, ultimately, as a beacon of unfulfilled promise. The film subtly reveals its deeper purpose: it is not merely a documentary about a campaign but a reflection on the Filipino soul, battered and bruised yet still clinging to hope.
"And So It Begins" does not shy away from hard truths. The documentary portrays the deep divisions within the electorate, a divide that has only widened since the disappointing and in-credible election result. The film's release seems almost serendipitous, coinciding with the fissures in the once "united" Marcos and Duterte camps, all while the nation grapples with poor governance, scandalous Congressional hearings, and multiple crises, exacerbated by the relentless attacks from trolls and disinformation campaigns.
Nonetheless, amidst this chaos, a grassroots movement fueled by a deep sense of responsibility and kadakilaan (heroism) emerges to protect truth and democracy from growing threats. It unites people in joyful and innovative acts of organic resistance, kindling hope while autocracy tightens its grip. This organic crusade stands as a beacon of resilience, reminding us that even in the darkest times, collective action can illuminate the path forward.
The film's release during Ninoy Aquino Day last August 21 is timely, yet it is telling that major cinema chains chose not to screen it regularly. Despite its PG rating and evident public interest, the documentary was relegated to select independent theaters. This decision echoes the very themes of suppression and marginalization explored in the film. However, as Novel Laureate Maria Ressa famously said, "Believe there is good in the world [Be the good.]." Indeed, the goodness shines through organic block screenings organized nationwide by local groups like the It Takes a Heart Association, Inc., Bulanon Foundation, Sorsogon Doctors for Leni, Solid Leni Bicol, Subguanon for Leni Kiko 2022, USC Junior Jaycees, Taguig Volunteer Coalition, Kaya Natin Youth Iriga and Baguio, Manugbulong-Iloilo (Doctors for Leni Iloilo), Ugyon Youth, and Pink Na Langga Iloilo Youth Network, among several others. Their efforts nationwide ensured that the documentary reached the audiences who needed to see it the most, with screenings selling out quickly—a testament to the film's resonance not just with the Kakampinks but also with the Filipino people who wish to move forward and be part of the movement for radical change through radical love.
In Iloilo, the August 31, September 1, and September 7 screenings were particularly significant, with tickets selling out swiftly. Some attendees even bought extra tickets for those who could not afford them. One family purchased more than ten tickets, ensuring their entire clan could experience the film together. Experiencing "And So It Begins" is as much about feeling as it is about reflecting. For many, including myself, the film hit home, stirring emotions that have lingered since the election. I felt this intensely when I watched the movie with my daughter, Parvane, over the weekend. Together, we laughed, cried, clenched our fists, and had subdued outbursts as the film's message so accurately mirrored the political realities we face before and until today. It was a powerful prompt of our ongoing commitment to the fight for truth, social justice, human rights, and democracy. This deeply cathartic experience allowed us to release much pent-up frustration.
As I sat there, watching the film unfold, I could not help but recall my prediction right after the 2022 elections. I had warned then that we would find ourselves saying, "We told them thusly," echoing Sheldon Cooper's famous line from The Big Bang Theory series. The governance that has followed has proven many of us correct, unraveling the false promises and foolish accusations made during the campaign. The film captures this unraveling with poignant clarity, highlighting the dangers of electing leaders with questionable track records and integrity issues.
Yet, amidst the despair, there is hope. The documentary's final scenes are perhaps its most powerful. With tears streaming down his face, a Kakampink in the film poignantly reveals the struggle of loving the Filipino people and the nation in the aftermath of the 2022 elections. It is a feeling many of us can relate to—how do you hold affection for a country that seems bent on its own undoing? Yet, as he speaks further, he finds hope in the Filipino youth, the next generation, who inspire him to keep fighting. He urges us to continue standing up for truth and justice—for the sake of the younger generation. This is where the concept of "radical love" gains its full significance: loving our country and its people not despite its imperfections, but because of them, and committing ourselves to create a better future for those who will inherit it.
"And So It Begins" is not without its critics. Some have labeled it overly (some say less) detailed and subdued in tone, arguing that it serves more as a campaign pitch than a documentary—criticisms often amplified by paid digital bullies seeking to discredit its message. But these critiques miss the point. The film is not about aesthetics or narrative intensity; it is about bearing witness to a moment in history that cannot be forgotten. It is a sobering warning about the perils that misinformation, fake news, cognitive dissonance, blind loyalty, and apathy pose for elections, a theme that extends well beyond the country's borders.
As the film concludes, we feel closed off and unfinished. The 2022 election is history, but the struggle it symbolizes carries on. The movie leaves us with a clear warning that the journey is far from over, urging us to take action one at a time and through our own simple ways. As we exit the theater, the film's message lingers, a heavy yet hopeful burden, echoing the message that we each have a role to play in driving transformative social change, undeterred by the noise and negativity spread by trolls.
In essence, "And So It Begins" is not just a documentary; it is a powerful call to arms for all who believe in the enduring power of truth and the necessity of standing against oppression, suppression, and repression. It reinforces the idea that even though the path ahead may be challenging, we must press on, guided by the values of accountability, responsibility, and kabayanihan (heroism). This film, and the movement it inspires, begins, ends, and begins anew with radical love and hope, reminding us that as long as we are willing to ‘be the good’ and believe that 'there is good in the world,' we can be the light in the darkness and work toward a brighter, kinder, and wiser future together.°
(For those who wish to contact the organizers of the September 14 , 5:30 p.m. Screening at SM City Iloilo, kindly connect to https://forms.gle/RMeMa4t519E2adfW9. )
•• Doc H fondly describes himself as a "student of and for life" who, like many others, aspires to a life-giving and why-driven world grounded in social justice and the pursuit of happiness. His views do not necessarily reflect those of the institutions he is employed or connected with.
