The Woman Who Left

The Philippines, 1990s. Horacia has spent the past three decades in a women’s prison. A teacher before her incarceration, she now teaches the other inmates how to read and write. When another inmate confesses to Horacia’s crime, Horacia is released and sets out to locate her family. While searching for her son, she is reacquainted with her homeland, which has become corrupt and marked by violent kidnappings. Her generous soul is crushed by a desire for vengeance. Renowned for his exceptionally long films, celebrated Filipino director, Lav Diaz, presents a relatively short (227 minutes), but poetic and enthralling work empowered by Charo Santos’s captivating performance in the lead role. Winner of the Golden Lion at the 2106 Venice Film Festival.