‘Lost Sabungeros,’ directed by Bryan Brazil, is a chilling and emotional documentary that brings to life the real-world mystery of 30 missing sabungeros (cockfighting enthusiasts), who vanished without a trace amid the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Following its controversial cancellation at Cinemalaya 2024, the film now finds a stage at QCinema International Film Festival, and it’s a viewing experience not to be missed.
The documentary is much more than just an investigative piece; it’s a deep dive into the lives of the families left behind, each still haunted by unanswered questions and the void left by their loved ones. Brazil’s approach is powerful and raw, weaving firsthand accounts from relatives with interviews from three whistleblowers whose statements bring a sense of tension and impending danger to the story.
Their testimonies are haunting, adding a heavy dose of realism that makes audiences feel as if they, too, are on the edge, awaiting answers.
One of the film’s most notable achievements is how it captures the stark contrast between the relentless determination of these families and the indifference of a system moving at a snail’s pace. Interviews with high-profile figures like Senator Bato dela Rosa and Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla highlight the systemic challenges to finding justice. Yet it is the vulnerable accounts from the families that make the film so resonant, exposing the personal toll of a case still unresolved.
Brazil’s direction emphasizes this atmosphere of suspense with a well-curated score that complements the underlying dread. The sound design, especially during whistleblower segments, evokes a genuine sense of unease. However, some stylistic inconsistencies, such as varying font styles and editing effects, momentarily detract from the immersion but do not overshadow the gravity of the story.
Beyond recounting the mystery, ‘Lost Sabungeros’ prompts a broader question about justice in the Philippines, casting a critical eye on a society where answers often seem just out of reach.
This film is not only a voice for the missing but also an unflinching reminder of the harsh reality faced by those left to grieve and seek justice. It’s an intense journey and a must-watch for audiences who appreciate documentary filmmaking that dares to ask difficult questions.
‘Lost Sabungeros’ screens at QCinema International Film Festival on November 9 at Gateway Cineplex, Quezon City, with additional showings available throughout the festival.
