‘Where the Night Stands Still,’ a ‘Meditation on the Filipino Experience,’ Boarded by Alpha Violet Ahead of Berlin Premiere (EXCLUSIVE)

by

The Parisian sales company, Alpha Violet, has taken on the global distribution of Liryc Dela Cruz’s film “Where the Night Stands Still.” This movie is set to have its worldwide debut in the First Feature competition segment of Berlinale, called Perspectives.

Following many years apart, three Filipino siblings – all currently employed as domestic workers in Italy – come together once more at their older sister Lilia’s recently inherited villa. As the evening progresses, this much-anticipated family reunion brings forth recollections of the past and issues that remained unaddressed. The atmosphere is heavy with the burden of unspoken words accumulated over the years, as the siblings try to bridge the gap that has widened between them.

Dela Cruz explains that this movie delves into the Filipino way of life, exploring how our past events such as colonization, migration, and survival have an ongoing impact on us within the diaspora. The film investigates the intricate balance between care and detachment, which is influenced by a world that consistently tests our resilience. By highlighting these splits, it aims to reveal the hidden power and persistent scars of people shaped by history and defiance.”

-or-

“According to Dela Cruz, this film provides an introspective look into the Filipino experience, focusing on how our history of colonization, migration, and survival continue to resonate through the diaspora. It analyzes the complex interplay of caring for others while feeling disconnected, which is often a result of a world that continually challenges our resilience. In revealing these fissures, it seeks to expose the silent strength and lingering injuries of a people who have been molded by both history and resistance.

Virginie Devesa and Keiko Funato, the CEOs of Alpha Violet, were quickly captivated by the striking beauty of the black-and-white image and found themselves drawn into the storytelling of this film, with its intriguing mysteries. Liryc Dela Cruz’s strong artistic sensibility and welcoming spirit as a migrant from the Philippines had an equally powerful impact on us.

In “Where the Night Holds Its Ground,” I play a role alongside Tess Magallanes, Jenny Llanto Caringal, and Benjamin Vasquez Barcellano Jr. This captivating production showcases our performances beautifully.

This production is jointly made by Pelircula, Ozono, The Il Mio Filippino Collective, and Reckless Natarajan Pictures. Notably, The Il Mio Filippino Collective is a creative group consisting of Filipino domestic workers, artists, community organizers, and diaspora members based in Italy.

In 2020, a person named Dela Cruz – originally from the Philippines yet residing in Rome, Italy – participated in the talent development program known as Berlinale Talents, which was held in Berlin.

Read More

2025-01-22 15:48