Liryc Dela Cruz’s Debut Feature “Where the Night Stands Still” Premiering at Berlin Film Festival
Filmmaker Liryc Dela Cruz is set to make her debut with the highly anticipated film “Where the Night Stands Still,” which will have its world premiere in the Berlin Film Festival’s new Perspectives section. This competition program is specifically for first fiction features, making Dela Cruz’s entry an exciting addition to the festival lineup. Ahead of the 75th edition of the Berlinale, an exclusive first trailer for the film has been revealed by THR.
The film follows the story of three Filipino siblings who, after years of separation, reunite at their older sister Lilia’s inherited villa in Italy. As they come together, old memories and unspoken grievances resurface, highlighting the distance that has grown between them. The quiet yet profound marks of absence, longing, and fractured connection become increasingly evident, painting a poignant picture of family dynamics.
Dela Cruz delves into the deeper themes of the film, exploring the lasting impact of colonialism on the Filipino psyche. She reflects on how centuries of oppression, displacement, and survival have shaped not only nations but also families and individuals. Through the lens of family dynamics, the film examines the ways in which unresolved pain festers in silence, touching on the internalization of violence by the oppressed.
“Where the Night Stands Still” stars Tess Magallanes, Jenny Llanto Caringal, and Benjamin Vasquez Barcellano Jr. The film was produced by Pelircula, Ozono, and Il Mio Filippino Collective, with co-production by Reckless Natarajan Pictures. International sales are being handled by Alpha Violet.
Dela Cruz, an artist and filmmaker from the Southern Philippines and Rome, Italy, brings a unique perspective to her work. Her exhibition “IL Mio Filippino: For Those Who Care to See” in Rome focused on themes of exhaustion, slavery, care, hospitality, and the colonial history of the Philippines. The Il Mio Filippino Collective, of which Dela Cruz is a part, is dedicated to collaboration and co-creation with individuals and groups who strive to foster communities of resistance, care, and hospitality.
The trailer for “Where the Night Stands Still” offers a glimpse of the film’s black-and-white aesthetics and the profound silence that characterizes the interactions between the characters. This visual style complements the film’s exploration of the complex emotions and dynamics within the siblings’ reunion.
As audiences await the premiere of “Where the Night Stands Still” at the Berlin Film Festival, the film promises to deliver a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant experience. Dela Cruz’s exploration of family, colonial legacy, and the internalization of oppression sets the stage for a compelling narrative that will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on viewers.
Watch the trailer for “Where the Night Stands Still” below.