No ‘X’ for horror flick trailer

ANDI Eigenmann in “Tragic Theater”

Chair Eugenio “Toto” Villareal of the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) clarified recent reports about the “alleged ‘X’ rating given to the trailer of the movie ‘Tragic Theater.’”

In a statement sent to the Inquirer, Villareal said the reports came out in “other media sources—to our knowledge, not the Inquirer—from Dec. 15 to 17.”

The TV5 website reported on Dec. 11 and 13 that the trailer of the horrror film, produced by Viva and directed by Tikoy Aguiluz, was “rated X twice by the MTRCB” and “banned” from public showing.

Villareal sent to the Inquirer an official MTRCB document that shows the film received a PG (Parental Guidance) rating on its second review on Dec. 10, and that the permit to exhibit the trailer was released the next day.

In the permit, the board noted that the trailer got the PG rating because “some scenes may be scary for younger viewers; some images may be too graphic and thus require parental guidance.”

In a text message, Villareal pointed out, “[The] alleged finding of an X rating on the first review never became final and executory due to a timely motion for reconsideration by Viva. This is part of due process.”

The board furnished Viva a copy of the board statement dated Dec. 18.

Based on a novel by GM Coronel, the movie follows spirit questors who attempt to exorcise the Manila Film Center, which is purportedly haunted by workers who died during its construction. Bayani San Diego Jr.