Lav Diaz, a renowned Filipino filmmaker and key figure in the slow cinema movement, is set to compete in the main competition section of the 2023 Locarno Film Festival in Switzerland. This will mark Diaz’s return to Locarno nine years after winning the Golden Leopard for his film From What Is Before. His latest film, Essential Truths of the Lake, starring John Lloyd Cruz and Shaina Magdayao, will have its world premiere at the festival on August 6.
Diaz expressed his pride in being selected for the festival, highlighting Locarno’s significance in the film industry. He sees this opportunity as a chance to share Filipino stories and the struggle of humanity with a global audience. Diaz’s previous works, such as Ang Babaeng Humayo and Hele sa Hiwagang Hapis, have garnered critical acclaim and prestigious awards at international film festivals like Venice and Berlin.
Speaking about the importance of Locarno, Diaz stated that it is on par with Venice, Berlin, and Cannes in terms of its reputation and programming. The current head of the Berlin International Film Festival was once in charge of Locarno, further highlighting its significance in the industry. Diaz’s win in Locarno in 2014 was a significant milestone for Filipino cinema, as it was the country’s first major cinema prize.
Diaz shared insights into the creation of Essential Truths of the Lake and its connection to his other film, When the Waves are Gone. The production of the film was disrupted by the eruption of the Taal Volcano and the subsequent COVID-19 pandemic. Despite these challenges, Diaz persevered, using a 16mm digital camera to capture the desolation and irony of truth-seeking in a devastated area. The film, running for three and a half hours, features a notable cast, including Hazel Orencio, Bart Guingona, Agot Isidro, and Susan Africa.
While When the Waves are Gone is related to Essential Truths of the Lake through a shared character, Lt. Hermes Papauran, Diaz clarified that they are independent narratives and not sequels or prequels to each other. Both films explore different aspects of the human experience and reflect Diaz’s distinctive storytelling style.
The inclusion of Diaz’s film in the main competition section of the Locarno Film Festival demonstrates the global recognition of Filipino cinema and the impact of Diaz’s unique approach to filmmaking. As Diaz continues to push boundaries and explore the complexities of the human condition, his participation in prestigious festivals like Locarno showcases the country’s rich cinematic talent on the international stage.
