Saturday, January 10, 11:00 a.m. | It is a cold and cruel winter in Jersey City, and police detective Mijares (Joel Torre) is investigating the West Side Avenue murder of Hanzel, a Filipino teen who got caught up in the dealing of caffeinated crystal meth, known on the street as shabu. As Mijares pounds the snow covered pavement collecting clues and gathering evidence, a portrait of alienated immigrant Filipino youth—marked by gangs and drug use—emerges. As the investigation stretches on, Mijares becomes haunted by his own self-proclaimed exile to America, and Lav Diaz’s slow burn, riveting police procedural evolves into a profound survey of Filipino displacement. The longest film from Southeast Asia at the time of its release, BATANG WEST SIDE marked a watershed moment for contemporary Philippine cinema and a turning point in Diaz’s career, as he transitioned from commercial filmmaking to the rigorous, durational cinema he has become renowned for. As intended by the filmmaker, there will be no intermission for this screening. Lav Diaz encourages you to take breaks as needed.
Awards & Nominations
Winner - Best Actor (Joel Torre), Cinemanila International Film Festival
Winner - Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor (Joel Torre), Best Supporting Actor Raul Arellano), Best Screenplay, Best Cinematography, Gawad Urian Awards
Settle In | January 3–31, 2026
Binge watching a television show or catching a double feature? Child’s play. Prove your passion for pacing with five presentations that test the limits of runtimes, lean into their length, and invite you to Settle In. Ticket holders have the option to add a boxed lunch ($16) to their experience courtesy of our friends at Goddess And The Baker (must be ordered at least 72 hours in advance).
Member tickets on sale now! General public tickets on sale Monday, December 15. Become a Siskel Film Center member to unlock early access and start saving at every movie. Plus, if you join or renew by the end of the year, you'll get one free month and a limited-edition "I prefer my films projected" magnet on us. Become a member today.
The Film Center is ADA accessible. This presentation will be projected without open captions. The theater is hearing-loop equipped. For accessibility requests, please email filmcenter@saic.edu