SCREENING OF “LOST SABUNGEROS” CANCELED DUE TO SECURITY CONCERNS

“Lost Sabungeros” screening on Cinemalaya was cancelled because of safety concerns (Photo courtesy of GMA Pictures)

The Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival announced the cancellation of GMA Public Affairs and GMA Pictures documentary “Lost Sabungeros” that was supposed to premiere on August 8 and 9 due to security concerns.

“Our paramount concern is the safety and well-being of our audience, staff, and all involved. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation during this time. Thank you for your continued support," Cinemalaya and Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) on their given statement.

The screening was initially scheduled on August 8 at 5 p.m. in Cinema 2 and on August 9 at 5:30 p.m. in Cinema 8 in Ayala Malls Manila Bay. The first-ever investigative documentary film of GMA Public Affairs covers the missing of over 30 sabungeros last year.

The GMA Public Affairs “Lost Sabungeros” is one of the most dangerous and courageous investigative documentaries directed by Bryan Kristoffer Brazil that "aims to investigate and find answers regarding the disappearances of over 30 sabungeros who have been abducted in various incidents since 2021."

The documentary film highlights the three whistleblowers who "came forward to share their knowledge about the crimes allegedly committed by those who abducted the missing sabungeros."

Brazil has shared that the process of creating the documentary wasn’t easy, “This is not just the story of the missing cockfighters; it also reflects the long-standing issues in the country regarding lack of justice and culture of impunity that often targets the poor.”

Senior AVP for Public Affairs LJ Castel posted on his social media account stated that “All threats must be taken seriously. But not continuing with the screening of Lost Sabungeros at Cinemalaya is the victory of the sown fear.”

"We spent almost two years developing this docu-film and accepted that the risk is part of it. But the production took the risk, to investigate the loss of more than thirty sabungero," he continued.

“Sa hindi pagtuloy ng Lost Sabungeros sa Cinemalaya, sino nga ba ang tunay na pinrotektahan mula sa mga banta? Sino nga ba ang totoong nailigtas sa anumang isisiwalat ng dokyu? Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival. Hindi na malaya. Hindi na rin independent," Castel added.

The premiere of “Lost Sabungeros” in August 8 will be replaced by Kip Oebanda’s “Balota” starring Marian Rivera also under GMA Pictures, while organizers didn’t mention any replacement for the August 9 schedule.

Source: Philippine Star

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