Asia Society, in co-presentation with Asian CineVision, welcomes filmmaker Lav Diaz for a 25th anniversary screening of Batang West Side, which had its U.S. Premiere at Asia Society on July 24, 2001. This screening is part of the ongoing series "Films to See Before You Die" and includes an extended introduction by Lav Diaz. This 35mm print is courtesy of the Austrian Film Museum. A limited number of complimentary tickets will be available for NYC college students with ID.

Batang West Side with Lav Diaz (Filmmaker)

When a Filipino teenager is shot to death in New Jersey, an investigation into his death is opened. Along the way, we find out not only more about him but about the community of Filipinos in America in general, including the destructive effect of the drug "shabu" on its youth. The detective who handles the case also has his own personal demons to settle with his violent past.