Examining 2022 Philippine Election in “And So It Begins” – Where to Watch for Free

The 2022 Philippine general election is put under a documentary microscope in “And So it Begins” from director Ramona S. Diaz.  It serves as a companion piece to Diaz’s previous film, the thought-provoking “A Thousand Cuts.”  If that 2020 docu is about the political smearing of journalist Maria Ressa, then this 2024 film is about how those smears are magnified to use against civil rights attorney and presidential candidate Leni Robredo. 

Many things have happened since I first interviewed Diaz last December for the film’s theatrical run.  Foremost is the arrest of former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte for crimes against humanity.  How does his arrest reshape the visual lens brought by “A Thousand Cuts” and “And So It Begins.”

It really does begin now.

“And So it Begins” is now available via PBS.  Click here to see it now.