A film by director Liryc Dela Cruz from Tupi, South Cotabato has been selected to compete in the upcoming 75th Berlin International Film Festival.
His film, "Where the Night Stands Still," written and directed by Dela Cruz, will compete in the ‘Perspectives’ section of the festival from February 13 to 23, 2025.
Perspectives is a newly introduced section at Germany's premier festival, dedicated to showcasing first or second works by filmmakers from around the world.
The film tells the story of three Filipino siblings, all domestic workers in Italy, reunited in their older sister Lilia’s inherited villa. As the night deepens, their long-awaited reunion stirs old memories and unspoken grievances.
The air is thick with the weight of what has been left unsaid over time, as the siblings navigate the distance that has grown between them.
“This film is a meditation on the Filipino experience, how our history of colonization, migration, and survival reverberates through the diaspora,” Dela Cruz says.
The film is produced by Pelircula, Il Mio Filippino Collective, and Ozono, and co-produced by Reckless Natarajan Pictures.
Dela Cruz is a filmmaker and artist originally from Tupi, South Cotabato, currently based in Rome.
He has directed several short films and his first feature film, "Notes from Unknown Maladies" (2018), explores his grandmother's life and memory. Dela Cruz's work often delves into themes of memory, identity, and social psychology.
He has participated in various film festivals and has been recognized for his unique storytelling approach. His recent exhibition, "Il Mio Filippino: For Those Who Care To See," focuses on the Filipino diaspora in Italy and the experiences of domestic workers.
The 75th Berlin International Film Festival, also known as the Berlinale, will take place from February 13 to February 23, 2025, in Berlin, Germany. This year's festival will feature a diverse range of films from around the world, competing for the prestigious Golden Bear award.
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