Metro Manila, Philippines— Cinemalaya has canceled the screening of the documentary “Lost Sabungeros” over what it calls “security concerns.”
The film festival organizers did not expound on the security issue in an announcement released on Sunday.
“Due to security concerns, the screenings of ‘Lost Sabungeros’ on August 8, 2024 and August 9, 2024 have been canceled. ‘Balota’ by Kip Oebanda replaces the screening on August 8 at 5:00 PM in Cinema 2, Ayala Malls Manila Bay,” Cinemalaya said.
“Lost Sabungeros” was directed by GMA Public Affairs executive producer Bryan Brazil and the first-ever investigative documentary produced by the network.
It is about the disappearances of over 30 sabungeros (cockfighting enthusiasts) abducted in 2021.
In a Facebook post, Brazil asked if Cinemalaya is free from censorship following its decision to cancel its screening.
“Ito na po, pinull out na nila ang aming pelikula. Cinemalaya board po ang nagbaba nito.
Mataas po ang pagtingin ko sa festival na ito, marami kaming filmmaker ang lumaki at naniwala rito.
Pelikulang malaya at mapagpalaya?,” Brazil wrote.
[Translation: They have pulled out our film. It was the Cinemalaya board that made the decision. I have a high regard for this festival; many filmmakers, including myself, have grown and believed in it. Is Cinemalaya still free?]
Lee Joseph Marquez Castel, GMA Public Affairs senior assistant vice president, said while threats should be taken seriously, blocking the documentary screening is letting fear prevail.
“Halos dalawang taon naming binuo ang docu-film na ito at tinanggap na bahagi nito ang panganib.
Ngunit sinuong ng produksyon ang peligro, para siyasatin ang pagkawala ng mahigit tatlumpung mga sabungero,” said Castel.
[Translation: We spent almost two years making this documentary film and accepted the risks involved. But the production braved the dangers to investigate the disappearance of over 30 cockfighting enthusiasts.]
“Sa hindi pagtuloy ng ‘Lost Sabungeros’ sa Cinemalaya, sino nga ba ang tunay na pinoprotektahan mula sa mga banta? Sino nga ba ang totoong nailigtas sa anumang isinisiwalat ng dokyu? Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival. Hindi na malaya. Hindi na rin independent,” he added.
[Translation: With the withdrawal of ‘Lost Sabungeros’ from Cinemalaya, who was really protected from the threats? Who was really saved from what the documentary would reveal? Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival. No longer free. No longer independent.]
