Phantosmia: Lav Diaz’s 8th Venice Film Festival Appearance

Renowned Filipino filmmaker Lav Diaz’s latest masterpiece, “Phantosmia,” has been selected as an out-of-competition entry in the prestigious 81st Venice Film Festival set to take place from August 28 to September 7. This marks Lav’s eighth film to be featured at the esteemed festival since his debut entry with “Death in the Land of Encantos” in 2007.

“Phantosmia,” named after a condition characterized by olfactory hallucinations, features a stellar cast including Ronnie Lazaro, Janine Gutierrez, and Hazel Orencio, along with Paul Jake Paule, Dong Abay, and Arjay Babon. Lav took on multiple roles in the creation of the film, serving as director, writer, cinematographer, editor, and production designer.

The film joins a distinguished list of Lav’s works showcased at Venice, where he has previously received various accolades, including the coveted Golden Lion Best Film award. His previous entries include “Death in the Land of Encantos” (2007), “Melancholia” (2008), “Century of Birthing” (2011), “The Firefly” (2013), “The Woman Who Left” (2016), “Genus Pan” (2020), and “When the Waves Are Gone” (2022).

Offering a glimpse into the narrative of “Phantosmia,” Lav described the protagonist Hilarion Zabala’s struggle with an olfactory disorder and the journey he embarks on to confront his past traumas while stationed at a remote penal colony. The film delves into themes of violence, trauma, and the existential questions surrounding human nature.

In an email interview, Lav shared his inspiration for the film, citing his encounter with cases of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) during the 1980s, particularly among soldiers affected by the conflict in Mindanao. Through his research, he discovered the profound impact of PTSD on individuals, with phantosmia serving as a manifestation of the underlying trauma.

Despite the weighty subject matter of the film, Lav’s set is described as a harmonious and collaborative environment by the cast members. Janine Gutierrez, who plays the character Reyna in the film, expressed her gratitude for the experience of working with the “Lav Team,” highlighting the intimate and rewarding nature of the filmmaking process.

Veteran actors Ronnie Lazaro and Hazel Orencio, who have been longstanding collaborators with Lav, emphasized the cultural responsibility and artistic integrity inherent in their partnership with the acclaimed director. They commended Lav’s unique approach to storytelling and his commitment to exploring complex themes with authenticity and depth.

As the cast prepares for the film’s premiere at the Venice Film Festival, they reflect on the significance of the moment and the opportunity to represent the Philippines on the global stage. Janine, Hazel, and Ronnie share their excitement for the festival experience and the prospect of showcasing Filipino talent to an international audience.

With Lav’s distinctive artistic vision and the stellar performances of the cast, “Phantosmia” promises to captivate audiences at Venice and beyond. As the filmmaker embarks on another creative journey, his profound storytelling and evocative imagery continue to resonate with viewers, offering a unique perspective on the human experience.

/Digital Sauce

• Lav Diaz’s newest film, Phantosmia, is an out-of-competition entry in the 81st Venice Film Festival
• This marks Lav’s eighth film accepted by the Venice Film Festival since 2007
• Phantosmia stars Ronnie Lazaro, Janine Gutierrez, and Hazel Orencio
• Lav directed, wrote, shot, edited, and designed the production of the film
• The film explores themes of trauma, violence, and human existence
• Lav was inspired to create the film after learning about phantosmia and PTSD in soldiers
• The film has a reported running time of four hours and ten minutes
• Lav’s sets are described as lighthearted and relaxed by the cast
• Janine Gutierrez and Hazel Orencio shared their experiences working with Lav on the film
• The cast is excited to premiere Phantosmia at the Venice Film Festival and represent the Philippines
• Lav is looking forward to exploring his “secret garden” of wild blueberries in Venice