Summer of Soul Product Description
In a decades-long nonfiction saga of the Philippines, director Ramona Diaz presents the latest chapter on her homeland as the despotic reign of President Rodrigo Duterte is coming to an end. And So It Begins proffers unbridled access to all the key players in the months leading up to the country’s 2022 presidential election. With her keen observational eye and deep knowledge of the socio-political history and landscape, Diaz continues to find her own forms of storytelling as political disruption.
Taking place in the thick of the Covid pandemic, And So It Begins is a shape-shifting story of the raucous collective act of joy expressed in a quirky resistance movement that pits itself against the haunting specter of increasing autocracy. Weaving together multiple narratives against the backdrop of a gloves-off campaign for the most powerful office in the land, what emerges is a dazzling cinematic portrait of a beleaguered nation fighting for its very soul.
Film runtime: 1 hour, 23 minutes
Film rating: Not rated. This film is appropriate for ages 14 and up.
Where to watch: And So It Begins is now streaming on PBS.
About the Learning Guide
The Learning Guide is a flexible resource. Each section can be used on its own or in collaboration with other key sections. The guide is flexible and appropriate for classroom use, community learning settings, homeschool learners, hybrid educational settings and independent exploration of the film. The guide includes robust background information and helpful facilitation guidelines to set the stage for a positive learning experience.
Key Sections include:
Facilitation Guidelines
About the Film
Film Discussion Questions
The Philippines: Grounding Context, A Brief History (Geography, U.S. History, World History)
Filmmaker Profle: Ramona Diaz (Media Literacy)
Journalist Profle: Maria Ressa (Journalism, Media Literacy)
Literary Connection – Maria Ressa Commencement Speech (English Language Arts, Speech)
Journalism, Disinformation, and Social Media (Journalism, Media Literacy)
Political Corruption & Civic Engagement (Civics, Current Events, Government, Political Science, Social Studies)
How to Get This Guide
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