The Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival announced the cancellation of the documentary ‘Lost Sabungeros’ screenings due to “security concerns” on Sunday, August 4.
Originally scheduled to be screened on August 8 and 9 at Ayala Malls Manila Bay in Parañaque City, the documentary’s showings were abruptly called off. Cinemalaya did not provide specific details regarding the security threats that prompted the decision.
In place of the August 8 screening, the festival will feature the full-length film ‘Balota,’ directed by Kip Oebanda and starring Marian Rivera, Sassa Gurl, Esnyr Ranollo, Will Ashley, Royce Cabrera, Nico Antonio, Raheel Bhyria, Donna Cariaga, Sue Prado, Joel Saracho, Gardo Versoza, and Mae Paner. The replacement for the August 9 screening is yet to be announced.
GMA Public Affairs Senior AVP Lee Joseph Marquez Castel expressed his dismay over the cancellation on Facebook, viewing it as a victory for those seeking to incite fear. Castel highlighted the two-year effort that went into creating ‘Lost Sabungeros,’ acknowledging the inherent risks involved in its production.
“Lahat ng banta, dapat sineseryoso. Pero ang hindi pagtuloy sa screening ng ‘Lost Sabungeros’ sa Cinemalaya ay pagkapanalo ng inihahasik na takot. Halos dalawang taon naming binuo ang docu-film na ito at tinanggap na bahagi nito ang panganib,” Castel stated. “Ngunit sinuong ng produksyon ang peligro, para siyasatin ang pagkawala ng mahigit tatlumpung mga sabungero.”
Castel stressed the crucial role of journalists in handling sensitive topics like those explored in the documentary, questioning the true beneficiaries of the cancellation.
“Sa hindi pagtuloy ng ‘Lost Sabungeros’ sa Cinemalaya, sino nga ba ang tunay na pinrotektahan mula sa mga banta,” Castel continued. “Sino nga ba ang totoong nailigtas sa anumang isisiwalat ng dokyu? Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival. Hindi na malaya. Hindi na rin independent.”
Directed by Bryan Brazil, ‘Lost Sabungeros’ investigates the mysterious disappearance of at least 34 cockfighters under suspicious circumstances in 2021, during the height of the pandemic. The documentary delves into the unsettling events that have captured public attention and concern.
