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For the first time, the Film Academy of the Philippines has chosen a documentary, Ramona S. Diaz's And So It Begins, as the entry of the Philippines to the 97th Academy Awards for Best International Feature Film.

On Facebook, Director Ramona Diaz admitted she was shocked as she thanked the jurors for choosing her film.

"So this happened. 'And So It Begins' was chosen to represent the Philippines at the 97th Academy Awards. I am still in shock. This is the first time the Film Academy of the Philippines has chosen a documentary," she wrote.

"I make documentary films to bear witness and to try to understand the homeland. It's a complex, messy, endearing, infuriating, and captivating place all at once - as ara all exciting places. And the more I delve into it, the more it eludes me. It is both knowable and unknowable.

"Taos pusong pasasalamat, FAP jurors, for this vote of confidence and for showing support for the documentary form. I'm deeply humbled and proud to represent the country as the official entry to the 97th Academy Awards. Nakakiyak.

"And so we continue..."

And So It Begins documents the grassroots movement that started during former Vice President Leni Robredo's presidential bid at the 2022 elections. It also tackles the subject of press freedom in the Philippines, especially when disinformation is prevalent online.

At the Academy Awards, countries from around the world can send an entry for the Best International Feature Film award. Among these entries, five entries will be officially nominated at the 97th Academy Awards.

The 97th Academy Awards will happen on March 2, 2025 (US Time) at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, California, USA.