The Philippines has selected Ramona S. Diaz’s documentary ‘And So It Begins’ as its official entry for the Best International Feature Film category at the 97th Academy Awards, commonly known as the Oscars.

The Film Academy of the Philippines (FAP) announced the selection on Wednesday, September 25, through a Facebook post featuring photos of Diaz receiving the award plaque.

‘And So It Begins’ offers a comprehensive look into former Vice President Leni Robredo’s 2022 presidential campaign, capturing the challenges and triumphs of her journey during one of the most polarized elections in Philippine history. The film dives into the complexities of Philippine politics while serving as a companion piece to Diaz’s earlier documentary, ‘A Thousand Cuts,’ which chronicled journalist Maria Ressa’s fight for press freedom and against disinformation.

The documentary premiered at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival and was showcased at the Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival, followed by limited screenings in select Philippine theaters. It has since garnered attention as the Philippines’ first-ever documentary submission to the Oscars in the Best International Feature Film category, following the country’s first animated submission, ‘Iti Mapukpukaw,’ last year.

In an interview, director Ramona Diaz encouraged the public to spread the word about the film and its message. She mentioned plans for a wider release, calling on supporters to request screenings in their local theaters. “We were supposed to be a national release. We have a PG-rating and we have demand—two things that would otherwise not make them hesitate to show the film. It would be great to get an answer from them. Call the theaters that you want to show this film. Tell everyone about this film,” Diaz said.