Directors’ guild protests canceled ‘Lost Sabungeros’ screenings at Cinemalaya

Poster of the documentary “Lost Sabungeros.” Image: Facebook/GMA Pictures

Film and television directors expressed concern against the cancelation of the screening of the investigative documentary film “Lost Sabungeros” at the 20th Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival, saying the move poses a challenge to filmmakers who “dare to challenge the entrenched.”

In a statement on Facebook on Thursday, August 15, the DGPI labeled the screening cancelation as “intimidation tactics” in an attempt to silence the filmmakers responsible for the documentary.

“In the wake of security concerns for public safety surrounding the screening venue of ‘Lost Sabungeros’ at the 20th Cinemalaya Film Festival, we stand resolute in our commitment to creative freedom and the pursuit of truth,” it said. “We are deeply concerned by the intimidation tactics employed by parties that seek to stifle the voice of filmmakers.”

This move, according to the organization, should serve as a reminder that filmmakers face the challenge of being silenced, in their intention to “challenge the entrenched” through art.

“The recent disruption, which resulted in the unfortunate cancellation of the screening of ‘Lost Sabungeros’ for public safety reasons is a stark reminder of the challenges faced by those who dare to challenge the entrenched through their art,” its statement read.

“Our thoughts and empathy are with the filmmaker, the producers, the festival, and the audience affected by the distressing situation. The safety of our creative community is paramount, and it is through collective vigilance and solidarity that we will overcome these challenges,” DGPI added.

“Lost Sabungeros,” the first documentary film produced by GMA Public Affairs, tackles the sudden and unexplained disappearance of at least 34 cockfighters in 2021. The film was supposed to be screened on August 8 and 9 at the Ayala Malls Manila Bay. However, the events were canceled due to what Cinemalaya said were “security reasons.”

This led to the documentary’s director Bryan Brazil to voice out his disappointment in a Philippine Daily Inquirer interview, saying it’s painful to the filmmakers and “characters” who continue to fight.

Following the cancellation, DGPI urged filmmakers to “protect” their creative spaces as it allows them to remain firm in their “passionate pursuit of storytelling” despite the “threats and intimidation.”

“The DSPI calls upon all filmmakers and our society to protect the freedom and democratic space, and to remain brave and resolute in their creative endeavors. It is through the courage to confront uncomfortable truths and address societal issues that we contribute to a more informed and empathetic world,” it said.

The organization also reiterated its goal to create an environment where “artistic expression” can thrive in its community.

“In the face of adversity, we must hold steadfast to our commitment to creativity and the pursuit of truth. The DGPI remains dedicated to fostering an environment where artistic expression can flourish freely and securely,” it said.