State of Affairs

Motherland

Ramona S. Diaz
Screening time  
03.03. / Saturday, 19:00 - 21:00 Theatre 2  
"Motherland" takes us into the heart of the planet’s busiest maternity hospital in one of the world’s poorest and most populous countries: the Philippines.

The film’s viewer, like an unseen outsider dropped unobtrusively into the hospital’s stream of activity, passes through hallways, enters rooms and listens in on conversations. At first, the surrounding people are strangers. But, as the film continues, it is absorbingly intimate, rendering the women at the heart of the story increasingly familiar. Three women – Lea, Aira and Lerma – emerge to share their stories with other mothers, their families, doctors and social workers. While each of them faces daunting odds at home, their optimism, honesty and humor suggest a strength that they will certainly have to summon in the years ahead.

Ramona_s_diaz

Ramona S. Diaz

Ramona Diaz is an award-winning Asian-American filmmaker best known for her compelling character-driven documentaries that combine a profound appreciation for cinematic aesthetics and potent storytelling. Her films, which include Motherland (2017), Don’t Stop Believin’: Everyman’s Journey (2012), The Learning (2011), Imelda (2003), Spirits Rising (1996) have demonstrated her ability to gain intimate access to the people she films. While her stories focus on the Filipino and Filipino-American experience, Ramona’s films transcend their specificity and are universal in spirit.

General sponsor

Bayang Ina Mo

USA, Philippines
2017, 94'

Directed by:
Ramona S. Diaz

Screenplay by:
Ramona S. Diaz

Cinematography:
Nadia Hallgren, Clarissa De Los Reyes

Edited by:
Leah Marino

Music:
Wayne Bell

Producers:
Ramona S. Diaz, Rey Cuerdo

Produced by:
CineDiaz

Festivals & Awards:

Sundance Film Festival 2017 – Special Jury Award for Commanding Vision, Best Editing – World Cinema Documentary; DOK.fest Munich 2017 – Viktor Award; DocAviv International Film Festival 2017; Melbourne International Film Festival 2017; DOCVILLE 2017; Film Independent Spirit Awards 2018 Filmski festival u Zurichu 2017;  Zurich Film Festival 2017