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The Cinemalaya Film Festival in the Philippines has made the decision to cancel the premiere of the documentary “Lost Sabungeros” due to “security concerns,” as announced by organizers on Sunday, August 4. The film, produced by GMA Public Affairs and GMA Pictures, was originally set to screen on August 8 and 9 at Ayala Malls Manila Bay Cinema 2 and Cinema 8 respectively.
To replace the August 8 screening of “Lost Sabungeros,” Kip Oebanda’s film “Balota,” also under GMA Pictures and starring Marian Rivera, will be shown. However, there was no mention of a replacement for the August 9 schedule. The reasons behind the cancellation were not elaborated on by Cinemalaya.
GMA Pictures confirmed receiving the message from Cinemalaya about the film’s premiere being canceled. “Lost Sabungeros,” directed by Bryan Brazil, is GMA Public Affairs’ first investigative documentary film focusing on the case of missing cockfighting enthusiasts, with incidents dating back to 2021. The trailer for the film includes news reports on the disappearances and interviews with the families of the missing individuals.
In an interview with GMA News, Brazil shared the challenges faced in creating the documentary, emphasizing that it not only tells the story of the missing sabungeros but also sheds light on the country’s long-standing issues of injustice and impunity that often target the marginalized and voiceless.
The documentary has been described as “one of the most dangerous and courageous investigative documentaries” produced by GMA Public Affairs, with reports of unidentified individuals surveilling the team during filming and concerns raised by the families of the missing sabungeros about their safety and the potential risk of abduction.
The Cinemalaya Film Festival, which will continue until August 11, remains a platform for showcasing diverse and thought-provoking films. Despite the setback with the cancellation of “Lost Sabungeros,” audiences can still look forward to a lineup of compelling and impactful films throughout the festival.
/Digital Sauce
- Cinemalaya Film Festival canceled the premiere of the documentary Lost Sabungeros due to security concerns
- Kip Oebanda’s Balota will replace the August 8 screening of Lost Sabungeros
- GMA Pictures received a message from Cinemalaya about the cancellation of the film’s premiere
- Lost Sabungeros is an investigative documentary about missing sabungeros directed by Bryan Brazil
- The documentary highlights issues of lack of justice and culture of impunity in the country
- Cinemalaya Film Festival will run until August 11
