'Batang West Side' celebrates 25 years at TIFF

TOUTED BY THE LATE critic Alexis Tioseco as "the first modern Filipino masterpiece," Batang West Side is one of if not Lav Diaz's most-celebrated work. Ahead of its 25th anniversary, a digital restoration is set to premiere at the TIFF Lightbox in Toronto this April 19th, Saturday, at the Piers Handling Cinema 3.

Kani Releasing, the company distributing the film, has yet to announce a screening in the Philippines, but our money's on one of our premier festivals (likely QCinema).

Set in New Jersey, the film follows a teen's murder investigation that sprawls into a thrilling story of crime, trauma, and identity. The film stars Yul Servo, Joel Torre, Angel Aquino, Gloria Diaz, and more. Unironically one of Diaz's "shorter" works, the film clocks at 315 minutes or a little over five hours.

Here's a look at a brand-new poster commemorating the film's silver anniversary release.