MAYNILA. Patay ang isang nominee ng Bumbero Partylist matapos tambangan at pagbabarilin sa Sampaloc, Maynila nitong hapon ng Lunes, Abril 28, dalawang linggo bago ang nakatakdang national at local elections.
Kinilala ng Manila Police District (MPD) ang biktima na si Leninsky Bacud, dating chairman at ikalawang nominado ng Bumbero Partylist.
Batay sa paunang ulat, naganap ang pamamaril sa P. Guevarra Street, Barangay 435, Zone 44, Sampaloc. Ayon sa imbestigasyon ng MPD sa pamumuno ni District Director Police Brigadier General Benigno Guzman, nakita umano ng mga saksi na nakasakay sa motorsiklo ang mga suspek nang isagawa ang pananambang.
Nakipagbarilan pa umano ang mga suspek sa mga rumespondeng pulis bago sila tumakas.
Tinamaan ng bala si Bacud sa itaas na bahagi ng dibdib at agad isinugod sa pinakamalapit na pagamutan. Sinikap siyang i-revive ng mga doktor ngunit, ayon sa pinakahuling impormasyon na natanggap ni Guzman, binawian na rin ng buhay ang biktima.
Bukod kay Bacud, ilang mga sasakyang nakaparada sa lugar ang napinsala matapos tamaan ng mga ligaw na bala sa gitna ng putukan.
Nagpapatuloy ang masusing imbestigasyon ng pulisya. Kasalukuyang kinakalap ang mga kuha sa CCTV sa lugar at nagsasagawa ng backtracking upang matukoy ang mga salarin.
Ayon kay MPD spokesperson Major Philipp Ines, “naglunsad na ng ‘hot pursuit’ laban sa mga suspek.”
Isang nominee ng Bumbero Partylist na si Leninsky Bacud ang nasawi matapos tambangan at pagbabarilin sa Sampaloc, Maynila, dalawang linggo bago ang halalan. Patuloy ang imbestigasyon ng MPD habang isinasagawa ang hot pursuit laban sa mga suspek.
BEIRUT. Saudi Arabia and Qatar announced on Sunday that they will pay Syria’s outstanding debt to the World Bank, a significant move expected to unlock the international institution’s support for Syria’s recovery after more than a decade of conflict.
In a joint statement issued by the finance ministries of both Gulf nations, officials confirmed that the decision to settle Syria’s nearly $15 million debt was made during this month’s meetings of the World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF) in Washington.
Syria’s Foreign Ministry expressed gratitude to Saudi Arabia and Qatar, stating the move “opens the way for activating cooperation toward recovery and reconstruction” after 14 years of devastating conflict, which has killed half a million people and left much of the country in ruins.
Since the collapse of Bashar Assad’s government in early December, when insurgent groups led by the Islamist Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) stormed Damascus, Saudi Arabia and Qatar have emerged as the main backers of the country’s new leadership.
The World Bank had suspended its operations in Syria for over 14 years. Now, according to the Saudi-Qatari statement, the payment of Syria’s debt “will facilitate the resumption of World Bank support and activities” and allow Syria to access future allotments for “vital sectors,” although the statement did not specify which sectors would benefit first.
The scale of Syria’s reconstruction needs is staggering. A 2017 United Nations estimate put the cost of rebuilding at $250 billion, but some experts now believe that figure could exceed $400 billion.
Syria’s infrastructure has been heavily damaged since the conflict began in March 2011. In a related effort to ease hardships, Qatar started supplying Syria with natural gas via Jordan last month to mitigate widespread electricity shortages across the country.
Despite these efforts, the country continues to face major hurdles, including longstanding Western sanctions primarily targeting the former Assad regime and its officials. These sanctions have severely restricted Syria’s access to international financial systems and development aid.
The new Syrian government, led by President and HTS leader Ahmad al-Sharaa, has yet to be formally recognized by the United States. HTS remains designated as a terrorist organization by Washington, and many of the sanctions imposed during Assad’s rule are still in place.
However, some signs of softening have emerged. In January, the U.S. Treasury issued a six-month general license authorizing certain transactions with the Syrian government, including limited energy sales and incidental financial dealings. Meanwhile, the European Union has also eased some restrictions, suspending sanctions related to Syria’s energy, transport, and aviation sectors.
The United Kingdom announced on Thursday that it was lifting sanctions on a dozen Syrian entities, including various government departments and media outlets, further signaling a cautious shift in international engagement with Syria’s new leadership.
VANCOUVER, Canada. A man with a significant history of mental health issues rammed his SUV through a crowded Filipino community street festival in Vancouver, killing at least 11 people and injuring dozens more, authorities confirmed on Sunday.
The suspect, identified as 30-year-old Kai-Ji Adam Lo, has been charged with eight counts of second-degree murder, with prosecutors in British Columbia stating that “further charges are anticipated,” according to a post by the Vancouver Police on X. Lo appeared in court on Sunday but has not yet entered a plea.
“There is no evidence of terrorism,” Vancouver Police Interim Chief Steve Rai said during a press conference. “This is the darkest day in our city’s history.”
The incident occurred around 8 p.m. on Saturday (0300 GMT Sunday) in the Sunset neighborhood of Vancouver, a district known for its large Asian population. Festival-goers were celebrating Lapu-Lapu Day, honoring the Filipino hero who resisted Spanish colonization in the 16th century.
Authorities said Lo drove a black Audi SUV through the crowded celebration, striking victims aged between 5 and 65. At least two dozen people sustained injuries, some critically, and police warned that the death toll could rise.
Witnesses described scenes of horror. “I got outside my food truck, I looked down the road and there’s just bodies everywhere,” said Yoseb Vardeh, co-owner of Bao Buns, in an emotional interview with Postmedia. “He went through the whole block, he went straight down the middle.”
Another witness reported seeing festival-goers tackle the driver and hold him against a fence until police arrived. “The driver tried to run but was chased down and held for about 10 minutes,” a witness who requested anonymity told local media.
Photos from the aftermath showed a dark Audi SUV with crumpled front fenders and a damaged hood near rows of colorful food trucks, with debris and personal belongings scattered across the road.
In response to the tragedy, Prime Minister Mark Carney delayed his campaign activities and traveled to Vancouver, expressing solidarity with the victims and the Filipino community. “Last night, families lost a sister, a brother, a mother, a father, a son or a daughter. Those families are living every family’s nightmare,” Carney said in Hamilton, Ontario. “I join all Canadians in mourning with you. I know that Canadians are united with you.”
British Columbia Premier David Eby also spoke near the site, struggling with emotion. “It’s hard not to feel rage towards the man who murdered innocent people,” Eby said. “I want to turn the rage that I feel into ensuring that we stand with the Filipino community, that we deliver what they need, that we stand with those families who have lost loved ones.”
The Filipino community, meanwhile, has begun mourning together. “The community will feel this for a long time,” said RJ Aquino, chair of Filipino BC, a community advocacy group. “We see and hear the support from around the world at this point.”
Saturday’s festival had drawn large crowds and featured Filipino food, performances, and cultural displays. Mable Elmore, a member of the British Columbia Legislative Assembly who attended the event, recalled the joyous moments before the horror unfolded. “Everybody was happy and getting ready to go. And that’s when, that’s when the incident happened,” Elmore said through tears. “We are in incredible pain.”
Lapu-Lapu Day, officially recognized in British Columbia since 2023, commemorates the heroism of Datu Lapu-Lapu, a Filipino chieftain who defeated Spanish explorer Ferdinand Magellan in 1521.
Police said the investigation would be extensive, involving more than 100 officers, and continued to assure the public that there was no ongoing threat. However, questions remain about security measures at large community events, as the festival had no dedicated police presence or heavy vehicle barriers.
Mass casualty vehicle attacks, while rare in Canada, have occurred before, including the 2018 Toronto van attack that killed 10 people and the 2021 London, Ontario truck attack that targeted a Muslim family.
As the city mourns, the Filipino community and broader public are uniting in grief and solidarity, determined to heal from one of Vancouver’s darkest days.
MONTREAL, Canada. Isang masayang pagdiriwang ang nauwi sa trahedya matapos araruhin ng isang sasakyan ang mga dumalo sa isang street festival ng Filipino community sa Vancouver, Canada nitong Sabado, na nagresulta sa pagkasawi ng 11 katao, ayon sa ulat ng mga lokal na awtoridad.
Nauna nang iniulat ng Vancouver Police na siyam ang nasawi matapos sagasaan ng isang lalaki ang mga kalahok sa Lapu Lapu Festival. Sa pinakahuling update, nilinaw ng mga awtoridad na umakyat na sa 11 ang bilang ng mga namatay.
“A number of people have been killed and multiple others are injured,” pahayag ng mga pulis. “The driver is in custody.”
Ayon kay Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim sa X (dating Twitter), nagtipon ang mga miyembro ng Filipino community upang ipagdiwang ang Lapu Lapu Day nang mangyari ang insidente. Ang festival ay isinabay ngayong taon sa weekend bago ang eleksyon sa Canada.
“Our thoughts are with all those affected and with Vancouver’s Filipino community during this incredibly difficult time,” saad ni Sim.
Batay sa ulat ng Vancouver Police, naganap ang insidente bandang alas otso ng umaga nitong Sabado (0300 GMT Linggo) sa Sunset on Fraser neighborhood sa Vancouver.
“A lone suspect, subject male with one vehicle, drove through a crowded community event occurring near here. That male was taken into custody at the scene by the crowd. It was a Filipino community event,” ayon kay Vancouver Police interim chief Steve Rai.
“It would be unfair for me to speculate on exact numbers, as the victims were taken to multiple hospitals in the region,” dagdag pa niya.
Ang Lapu Lapu Day ay ipinagdiriwang sa Pilipinas bilang paggunita kay Lapulapu, ang bayaning pinuno na namuno sa mga mandirigmang Pilipino na tumalo kay Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan noong 1521.
Patuloy ang imbestigasyon ng mga awtoridad upang matukoy ang motibo ng suspek sa naganap na trahedya.
VATICAN CITY. The world said its final goodbye to Pope Francis on Saturday with a somber funeral held in St. Peter’s Square, following his passing on Easter Monday at the age of 88. As the first Latin American pope, Francis’ death has left a profound impact, drawing millions to mourn and reflect on his life and papacy.
Funeral Location and Details Pope Francis’ funeral took place in the historic St. Peter’s Square, where his coffin was placed for the public to pay their respects. Afterward, his body was moved to St. Mary Major Basilica, where he had wished to be buried in a simple, underground tomb. The basilica held special meaning for the pope, who had a deep devotion to the Virgin Mary, especially to the icon of Salus Populi Romani, located there. This icon was a focal point for his prayers before many of his foreign travels.
A Personal Farewell Though many had anticipated the pope would be buried within the Vatican, Pope Francis had requested in his will to be laid to rest at St. Mary Major. This basilica, with its spiritual significance, offered the pope comfort throughout his papacy, making it a fitting final resting place. The entombment was a private event that allowed those closest to him to pay their respects.
World Leaders Attend the Ceremony The funeral saw a global turnout, with many heads of state and dignitaries in attendance. U.S. President Donald Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, and Prince William were among those present. This attendance underscores the global influence of Pope Francis, who was admired for his humility and outreach to the poor.
Why Young People Attended In an unexpected twist, young people, originally gathered in Rome for the canonization of Carlo Acutis, also took part in the funeral. The canonization ceremony was postponed after Pope Francis’ death, but many young pilgrims chose to stay in Rome for the papal funeral. While the event was filled with solemn reverence, some attendees captured moments on their phones, adding a sense of lightness amidst the mourning.
What Happens Next: The Election of a New Pope Following the pope’s death, the process of selecting a new pope begins. Cardinals will now enter the conclave, a sacred and secretive event where they vote for the next leader of the Catholic Church. Black smoke will indicate no decision has been made, while white smoke will signify the election of a new pontiff.
Pope Francis’ Enduring Legacy Pope Francis’ papacy was one of humility, simplicity, and profound care for the marginalized. He was known for eschewing the luxury associated with the papacy, choosing to live in the Vatican’s Domus Santa Marta and forgoing the grand Apostolic Palace. His calls for social justice, climate change action, and greater inclusivity, particularly for LGBTQ+ people, were central themes of his leadership. His first papal trip in 2013 to the island of Lampedusa to meet African migrants marked his commitment to the dignity of all people.
The Final Moments The night before his funeral, Pope Francis’ coffin was sealed by the Vatican’s camerlengo in the presence of senior cardinals. Inside the coffin, a bag containing coins minted during his papacy and a one-page document known as the “rogito” recounting his papacy were placed. The sealed coffin was then covered with a white cloth before being transported to its final resting place.
As the world mourns the loss of Pope Francis, his legacy of faith, humility, and dedication to social justice will continue to inspire people worldwide.
MANILA. The United States Marine Corps successfully deployed its land-based missile system, the Navy-Marine Expeditionary Ship Interdiction System (NMESIS), on Saturday during the ongoing Balikatan 2025 joint military exercise in Luzon.
The NMESIS system participated in the Maritime Key Terrain Security Operations (MKTSO) – North, one of the key components of the exercise, which is a collaboration between the United States and the Philippines. This marks a significant moment in enhancing the combined defense capabilities of both nations.
According to the Balikatan 2025 Combined Joint Information Bureau, the NMESIS is specifically “designed to target and deter hostile naval forces, enhance maritime domain awareness, and strengthen the defensive posture of the Philippines and the United States in securing key maritime areas.”
“The NMESIS provides the combined and joint force a flexible and expedient sea denial capacity, contributing to the collective defense of both countries,” the Bureau added, emphasizing the strategic value of this new deployment.
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth had previously confirmed that the United States would be deploying advanced defense systems to the Philippines, including the NMESIS missile system and high-tech unmanned surface vehicles, during the exercise. “These systems will enable US Forces and the Armed Forces of the Philippines to train together on using advanced capabilities to defend the Philippines’ sovereignty,” Hegseth stated.
The ongoing Balikatan 2025 exercises, which began on April 21, are set to continue until May 9, with roughly 17,000 troops involved. The exercises are designed to simulate a “full-scale battle scenario” as both countries bolster their military preparedness in response to Beijing’s assertive actions in the disputed South China Sea.
The deployment of the NMESIS underscores the growing military cooperation between the US and the Philippines, focusing on strengthening their maritime security and deterring any potential threats in the region.
VATICAN CITY. U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy met privately inside a marble-lined Vatican basilica on Saturday, seeking to revive faltering efforts to end Russia’s war with Ukraine.
The two leaders, in Rome for the funeral of Pope Francis, sat closely together in St. Peter’s Basilica with no aides present. According to Zelenskiy’s office, the conversation lasted around 15 minutes, and images released by Kyiv and Washington showed them leaning in toward each other during the talks.
Zelenskiy described the meeting as potentially historic. In a post on Telegram, he wrote, “Good meeting. One-on-one, we managed to discuss a lot. We hope for a result from all the things that were spoken about.” He further emphasized, “The protection of the lives of our people. A complete and unconditional ceasefire. A reliable and lasting peace that will prevent a recurrence of war.” Zelenskiy added: “It was a very symbolic meeting that has the potential to become historic if we achieve joint results. Thank you, President Donald Trump!”
A White House spokesperson echoed Zelenskiy’s optimism, calling the conversation “very productive.”
This encounter marks the first time the two have met since a tense Oval Office meeting in February, when Trump accused Zelenskiy of “gambling with World War Three.” Since then, both sides have made efforts to reset ties, though tensions and differences have remained.
Following the funeral service for Pope Francis, Trump boarded Air Force One to depart Rome. During the flight, he posted a sharp message on Truth Social criticizing Russian President Vladimir Putin: “There was no reason for Putin to be shooting missiles into civilian areas, cities, and towns, over the last few days,” Trump wrote, referring to a Russian missile attack on a Kyiv apartment block that killed 12 people. He added, “It makes me think that maybe he doesn’t want to stop the war, he’s just tapping me along, and has to be dealt with differently, through ‘Banking’ or ‘Secondary Sanctions?’ Too many people are dying!!!”
Following Trump’s post, U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham said the Senate was ready to move forward with bipartisan legislation imposing trade sanctions on countries buying Russian oil, gas, and other products. “The Senate stands ready to move in this direction and will do so overwhelmingly if Russia does not embrace an honorable, just, and enduring peace,” Graham posted on X (formerly Twitter).
During the funeral service at St. Peter’s Square, Trump and Zelenskiy joined other world leaders, including British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron. A photograph released by Zelenskiy’s office showed the four leaders in a close huddle, with Macron’s hand resting on Zelenskiy’s shoulder.
Italian Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, who delivered the sermon at the funeral, recalled Pope Francis’s tireless calls for peace throughout his papacy. “War always leaves the world worse than it was before: it is always a painful and tragic defeat for everyone,” the cardinal said.
Despite the warm gestures, significant differences remain between Washington’s current proposals and Ukraine’s stance. According to documents from the latest shuttle diplomacy efforts obtained by Reuters, Washington is reportedly suggesting legal recognition of Crimea, annexed by Moscow in 2014, as Russian territory, a red line that Kyiv and its European allies refuse to cross.
Disagreements also persist over the timeline for lifting sanctions on Russia, the nature of security guarantees for Ukraine, and financial compensation for war damages.
Trump has warned that the U.S. could withdraw from peace negotiations if both Moscow and Kyiv fail to agree on a deal soon. Meanwhile, Zelenskiy continues to push for terms that ensure Ukraine’s sovereignty and long-term security.
The personal relationship between Trump and Zelenskiy has been rocky. While Trump has often criticized Zelenskiy for “foot-dragging” on peace talks, Zelenskiy has accused Trump of being caught in a “disinformation bubble” favoring Moscow.
Nevertheless, both leaders recognize the necessity of cooperation. Trump needs Zelenskiy’s support to broker a swift peace agreement, while Ukraine needs Trump’s influence to pressure Moscow for more favorable terms.
During the meeting in Rome, Zelenskiy once again eschewed formal attire, wearing a dark, buttoned-up shirt without a tie, paired with a military-style jacket — a style he has maintained since Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022 to show solidarity with his troops.
As the world mourned the passing of Pope Francis, a pontiff known for advocating peace and dialogue, the Trump-Zelenskiy meeting offered a small glimmer of hope for progress in ending Europe’s bloodiest conflict in decades.
VATICAN CITY. Gathering in unity and reverence, world leaders, royalty, and thousands of faithful mourners filled St. Peter’s Square on Saturday to honor the life and legacy of Pope Francis, who passed away on Monday at the age of 88 following a stroke.
Presiding over the solemn funeral Mass, Italian Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re praised the Argentine pope as “rich in human warmth and deeply sensitive to today’s challenges,” adding that Francis had “truly shared the anxieties, sufferings and hopes of this time.” In a powerful message against regression, the 91-year-old cardinal said Pope Francis was “attentive to the signs of the times and what the Holy Spirit was awakening in the Church.”
More than 250,000 mourners crammed the square and surrounding streets, while applause filled the air as Francis’ coffin, adorned with a large cross, was carried into the sunlit square by 14 white-gloved pallbearers.
In a moment of historic significance, U.S. President Donald Trump, who had previously clashed with Pope Francis over issues such as migration and climate change, was seen seated among dignitaries on one side of the coffin. Across from him sat the cardinals who will convene next month to elect the next pontiff, debating whether to continue Francis’ progressive vision or return to a more traditional papacy.
The funeral also offered a poignant backdrop for diplomacy: President Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, who had last met in a tense encounter in Washington, held a notably warmer discussion inside St. Peter’s Basilica. A White House official described it as a “very productive discussion,” while Zelenskiy called it a “good meeting.”
Heads of state from Argentina, France, Gabon, Germany, the Philippines, Poland, and the prime ministers of Britain and New Zealand, and royalty from Spain were present. Aerial images showed a vibrant mosaic of black, red, purple, and white garments, a visual testament to the global reach of the 1.4-billion-member Roman Catholic Church.
The funeral Mass, rich in ancient ritual and attended by about 4,000 priests, 400 bishops, and 250 cardinals, featured Latin hymns and prayers offered in Italian, Spanish, Chinese, Portuguese, and Arabic.
Many mourners camped out overnight or arrived before dawn to secure front-row places. Aurelie Andre, a pilgrim from France, shared her emotions: “When I arrived at the square, tears of sadness and also joy came over me. I think I truly realised that Pope Francis had left us, and at the same time, there is joy for all he has done for the Church.”
Following the Mass, St. Peter’s great bells tolled as Francis’ coffin was loaded onto an open-topped popemobile and driven through the streets of Rome. Crowds, estimated by police at around 150,000, lined the 5.5-km (3.4-mile) route to St. Mary Major Basilica. As the cortege passed Rome’s ancient monuments, well-wishers waved signs, threw flowers, and cried out, “Viva il papa!” and “Ciao, Francesco!”
In keeping with his lifelong commitment to humility and simplicity, Pope Francis had requested to be buried at St. Mary Major rather than in the Vatican, making him the first pope to be buried outside the Vatican in more than a century. The private burial ceremony marked the final farewell.
Skipping the traditional three-casket burial of cypress, lead, and oak, Francis chose a single zinc-lined wooden coffin. His final resting place bears only the simple inscription “Franciscus,” his name in Latin, and is adorned with a reproduction of the modest iron-plated cross he wore throughout his pontificate.
A formal Latin summary placed next to his body hailed him for leaving “a wonderful testimony of humanity, of a holy life and universal fatherhood.”
Pope Francis, the first non-European pontiff in nearly 13 centuries, spent his 12-year reign championing the poor, advocating for migrants, and urging the world to combat climate change. His death has set into motion an ancient and secretive process: a conclave to elect his successor, expected to begin no earlier than May 6.
As the Church prepares for a new chapter, the memory of Pope Francis’ remarkable life and transformative leadership will remain indelibly etched in the hearts of millions around the world.
Skipping the traditional three-casket burial of cypress, lead, and oak, Francis chose a single zinc-lined wooden coffin. Crowds, estimated by police at around 150,000, lined the 5.5-km (3.4-mile) route to St. Mary Major Basilica. As the cortege passed Rome’s ancient monuments, well-wishers waved signs, threw flowers, and cried out, “Viva il papa!” and “Ciao, Francesco!”
MAYNILA. Ipinahayag ng Commission on Elections (Comelec) na ipagbabawal ang pamimigay ng anumang uri ng ayuda mula Mayo 2 hanggang Mayo 12, 2025, kasabay ng 10-araw na election ban bago ang nakatakdang halalan sa Mayo 12.
Ayon kay Comelec Chairman George Garcia, saklaw ng pagbabawal ang mga programang nagbibigay ng tulong gaya ng Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS), Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD), Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), at Abot Kamay ang Pagtulong (AKAP) program. Tanging medikal at burial assistance lamang ang pinapayagan sa ilalim ng exemption.
Babala pa ni Garcia, ang mga lalabag sa nasabing kautusan ay posibleng maharap sa kaso. Aniya, ayon sa Omnibus Election Code, may kalakip na parusang pagkakakulong para sa mga lalabag sa mga election offense.
Samantala, hindi kasama sa ipinagbabawal ang P20 rice project ng Department of Agriculture. Nilinaw ng Comelec na pinapayagan itong ipagpatuloy ngunit dapat sundin ang itinakdang mga kondisyon, tulad ng pagbebenta ng subsidized na bigas sa mga pampublikong lugar at pagbibigay ng malayang access sa media upang masiguro ang transparency sa implementasyon.
In “April,” director Dea Kulumbegashvili delivers a shattering and uncompromising depiction of womanhood, grief, and isolation in a harsh, rural corner of Georgia. The film, which solidifies Kulumbegashvili’s status as one of Europe’s most essential filmmakers, is an unflinching exploration of societal cruelty and personal resilience.
A Bleak and Unforgiving World
Set in a remote provincial region of Georgia, “April” follows Nina (played by Ia Sukhitashvili), a seasoned obstetrician at the local hospital who endures a grueling and punishing existence. The film opens with a haunting delivery scene, shot from overhead, where a newborn is delivered but never cries. The sterile hospital hallways, unsettling silence, and graphic imagery of the stillbirth set the tone for a story steeped in sorrow.
Despite Nina’s experience with thousands of births, the tragedy prompts the grieving father to demand a police investigation. In a chilling confrontation, he accuses Nina of performing abortions in the village, calling her a “murderer” before spitting on her. Nina endures the moment in horrified silence, a recurring theme in “April” that underscores her internal anguish.
The Weight of Isolation
While abortion, legal yet fraught with stigma in Georgia, serves as a central theme, “April” delves far deeper into Nina’s loneliness and the systemic oppression she faces. Time and again, Kulumbegashvili places Nina in situations where her professional and personal gestures are minimized or brutally condemned.
One of the film’s most harrowing sequences involves a deaf-mute teenage girl (Roza Kancheishvili) undergoing a clandestine kitchen-table abortion after a mysterious rape. The scene, shot in static profile with half of Nina visible, is both intimate and devastating. The girl’s soft, mournful murmurs resonate throughout the film, contrasting starkly with a world where even cries of pain go unheard. As Kulumbegashvili poignantly illustrates, “only the storm cloud skies cry.”
A Director in Complete Control
“April” extends the promise of Kulumbegashvili’s acclaimed 2020 debut “Beginning” and has already garnered recognition as a prize-winner at the Venice Film Festival. Though its austere style and deliberate opacity may challenge some viewers, the film’s hypnotic intensity and unwavering control over its narrative make for an unforgettable cinematic experience.
Nina’s words are few but powerful. As she confronts an investigation into the stillbirth, she tells her superior, “Other than my job, I have nothing to lose.” Sukhitashvili’s masterful performance speaks volumes through her restrained expressions and yearning eyes, capturing the emotional weight of a woman trapped between duty and despair.
Cinematographer Arseni Khachaturan skillfully alternates between objective and subjective perspectives, often depicting Nina alone, driving through dark roads or searching for fleeting intimacy, or surrounded by men who scrutinize her every move. When Nina recounts the circumstances of the stillbirth, the camera adopts her viewpoint: three men seated in judgment, further highlighting the oppressive imbalance she faces.
A Haunting Visual Mystery
Interspersed throughout the film are enigmatic scenes of a faceless, humanlike figure with sagging, unformed skin, shifting slowly while breathing heavily. Is this a grotesque manifestation of Nina’s tortured soul? A symbolic representation of an adult fetus whose suffering remains unseen? Kulumbegashvili leaves these haunting images open to interpretation, adding another layer of depth to the film’s unsettling atmosphere.
Final Thoughts
“April” is a Metrograph Pictures release, unrated by the Motion Picture Association, with a runtime of 134 minutes. Presented in Georgian with English subtitles, the film earns a 3.5 out of 4 stars for its raw emotional power and uncompromising vision.
Though grimly spellbinding, “April” is an essential viewing experience, too often silenced
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