Genus Pan

Three men embark on a journey home, leaving the perils of work in the mines behind them, forgetting about the everyday dangers outside.

Not everyone survives the mines. Some die due to the unsafe work conditions, while others at the hands of other workers. At the end of their contracts, three disillusioned miners return home in search of greener pastures.

After returning to their home island of Hugaw by boat, the trio embark on a days-long trek through the jungle back to their village. However, outside the mine there are bigger dangers and greater injustices awaiting them.

Curator’s note
Following two works that unexpectedly dabbled with film genre (Season of the Devil, The Halt), Lav Diaz returns to his signature modus operandi. However, upon its release, Genus Pan was perhaps even more unexpected on account of its unusually short running time. Considered one of his more accessible films – which it is – Genus Pan remains undoubtedly Diazian at every turn.

Genus Pan premiered at the 77th Venice International Film Festival where Lav Diaz won the Best Director prize within the Horizons section. Due to lockdowns that year, the film was not screened in Australian cinemas upon its festival journey. This will be the film’s Australian theatrical premiere.