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Diaz's New Film Tackles Colonial Brutality
20 Aug
Summary
- Film confronts Spain's brutal 17th-century colonial past in the Philippines.
- Heretic secures international sales for Lav Diaz's Venice competition entry.
- Production highlights native suffering during church construction.

Lav Diaz's new film, 'Let Us Through, Dear Ancestors,' is making its debut at the Venice Film Festival. The film confronts the brutal realities of Spain's colonial subjugation of the Philippines during the 17th century.
Playing Out of Competition, the 2-hour 31-minute feature delves into the atrocities committed by Spanish friar Padre Enciso. It highlights the forced sexual violence, exploitation, and religious conversion inflicted upon the native population.
The synopsis underscores the immense human cost, noting that thousands of natives died constructing the grand churches that now stand as monuments to colonial brutality.
International sales for the film have been secured by Greek firm Heretic. This marks a significant collaboration between Heretic and Diaz, with Epicmedia Productions Inc. and C'est Lovi Productions serving as producers.