Synopsis:

The Lav Diaz Retrospective continues a major showcase of pioneering master artists from Southeast Asia with this independent genius of a film-maker from the Philippines. In a series of talks and screenings of scenes from his past works, Diaz reflects on his ideas of cinema since his first film in 1998. Unknown to many, what is special to the work of Diaz is his proximity to theatre processes and his almost stage-like ensemble work with actors. With unprecedented generosity, Diaz opens the set of his latest film, Henrico's Farm, to SIFA audiences.

Intimate groups of audiences will get up close to Lav Diaz and some of the great actresses of Filipino film in The Making Of Enchanted Moments. Join Diaz in a review of his magnificent opus as he offers insights into his heart and soul, giving us a unique Director's Cut through a retrospective of his favourite scenes.

Diaz's organic, improvisatory approach, including the insistent use of real time, is stunning. He waits for his shot with the actors. The extended duration of his films enables the viewer to enter deeply into the experiences and emotions depicted, resulting in an immersion that cannot occur in the usual 90-minute formula.

When he won the Prince Claus Award in 2014, his citation read: "Lav Diaz is honoured for his uniquely moving portrayals of the complexities of Filipino reality; for expanding and intensifying cinematic experience through his innovative approach to the art of film-making; for expressing truth and building a powerful cultural legacy for national healing and international understanding of the Philippines; for challenging the dominant commercially and politically driven uses of cinema; and for remaining true to his art and his intentions, providing inspiration for others working outside the mainstream."

Learn about this trailblazer's creative process as he reveals his vision (24 August), the art of performance (25 August, with actresses from his films) and his sense of time and space (9 September, with a screening of selected scenes from Henrico's Farm that he just filmed in Singapore). These three enchanted moments frame Diaz's film-making process here: two sessions occur before he begins shooting and the final session follows the wrap.