Genus, Pan

Greed, misery and justice in stunningly filmed nature: Philippine myths meet a story of biblical proportions in the new film by acclaimed director Lav Diaz.

Three men return home after working in a mine. A day of toil is followed by an arduous journey – first by boat from the island, then on foot over mountains, finally through forests and across rivers. It should be a time to drink, to eat, to celebrate the end of the season. But one miner thinks another cheated him out of his wages; the third, who wants to mediate between them, is not helping. Once they arrive at their village, a second story begins, of the mothers, sisters, and those who stayed home. Due to a tragic event, the characters’ relationships and the power structure are shaken, and the young hero who returned home is suddenly a hunted man.

Lav Diaz, a fixture of all the major festivals, is a master in composing black-and-white tableaux. He weaves great human dramas in extreme slowness. Their intensity increases constantly, to the point of inspiring vital optimism.

Director

Trailer