Scene from “Home of the Brave” –VOYAGER STUDIOS INC.
The move to cancel the screenings of the documentary “Lost Sabungeros” by organizers of this year’s Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival has raised more questions and concerns, “making people even more curious to see the film,” according to award-winning documentarist Baby Ruth Villarama (“Sunday Beauty Queen,” “Jazz in Love” and “Little Azkals”).
The world premiere of “Lost Sabungeros,” GMA Public Affairs’ first documentary film, on Aug. 8 was canceled “due to security concerns,” according to a statement from the Cinemalaya and the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), which produces the annual indie fete.
Villarama’s 42-minute film, “Home of the Brave,” is also part of the Cinemalaya lineup. It will be screened on Aug. 10, 5 p.m., at the Ayala Malls Manila Bay.
“I’m just as disappointed and disgusted as everyone else,” Villarama said when Inquirer Entertainment sought her reaction to the cancellation. “I’ve always believed that Cinemalaya has consistently provided a safe platform for independent storytelling. We must stop empowering those who create unnecessary threats, especially when it comes at the expense of freedom of expression and the integrity of the festival.”
Bryan Brazil’s “Lost Sabungeros” aims to investigate and find answers regarding the disappearances of over 30 sabungeros abducted in various incidents since 2021.
Filmmaker Baby Ruth Villarama –VOYAGER STUDIOS INC.
Security concerns
“Our paramount concern is the safety and well-being of our audience, staff, and all involved,” read the Cinemalaya statement. Another screening on Aug. 9 was also canceled.
“I’m confident that the film will find ways to reach a wider audience, especially with GMA behind it,” declared Villarama. “But if a supposedly independent film festival can let fear influence big studios like GMA, what hope do smaller filmmakers have who don’t have a large platform to share their stories?”
Villarama pointed out that people should stay vigilant and outspoken because “the implication of this incident could be long-term if we just allow it. Also, we shouldn’t normalize saying, ‘OK lang ‘yan! We should all just be happy so everyone will feel safe.’”
Nessa Valdellon, GMA Pictures executive vice president and GMA Public Affairs first vice president, uploaded the “Lost Sabungeros” trailer on her Facebook account on Aug. 6 and captioned it with: “It seems, for now, the trailer is all our audiences will be able to see. You can start at 1:24 to understand why this can be considered controversial.”
‘Our story’
Director Brazil, on the other hand, pleaded with people to remember the personalities featured in the documentary. “They are not mere figments of our imagination. They have been missing for years and their memories are being buried. We are talking about the lives of real people here. I keep saying, this is not just their story. This is also our story and this should awaken us to our truth.”
Meanwhile, Villarama’s “Home of the Brave” walks through the experiences of a retired caregiver and an undocumented chef wandering around Los Angeles on the promises of the American dream.
The story begins with Amelia, a 73-year-old Filipino retired caregiver traveling around Los Angeles with her bags and suitcase. A survivor of human trafficking coming to America, Amelia has been in the US for years, taking care of many despite the harsh conditions. Now in her twilight years with signs of dementia settling in, she is alone in a shelter waiting to reunite with her children.
“We started the research in May 2022 and visited LA from August to October to begin the film’s production,” said Villarama. “We hope to see how we can improve the story and find ways to elevate its social impact goals and rally the right people who can champion the stories of migrant workers.”
Another character that Villarama met over the course of filming is Lord Latao, who currently faces a criminal case for allegedly hurting his wife “due to the stress from the hands of his abusive employer, who is also his wife’s relative. Other family members support him but are helpless on how to solve the problem. Social workers are trying to hook him up with the right criminal lawyer to fight,” she shared with Inquirer Entertainment.
“Lost Sabungero” poster –CONTRIBUTED
Call to action
“Our lens is following his story while Amelia’s case is also moving. In the end, we hope the film can shed light on the Filipino value of Bayanihan spirit that seeks each other for strength and courage to hopefully change things for the better,” Villarama added.
She said the film is also “a call to action, urging us to look closer to a kinder sensitivity on the silent battles of others. I personally hope to inspire greater appreciation for the invaluable contributions of nurses, caregivers and advocates, and to illuminate the enduring power of community and solidarity in the face of adversity.”
Produced by Voyage Film Studios Inc., “Home of the Brave” is also open for block screenings to support homeless Filipino migrant workers, said Villarama.