What's next for 'Lost Sabungeros' after canceled screenings?

"Lost Sabungeros," the first-ever investigative documentary film of GMA Public Affairs and GMA Pictures, was set to premiere at the Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival on Thursday, but it was announced Sunday that its screenings were canceled by the festival due to "security concerns."

Tolits Tan, one of the producers of "Lost Sabungeros," has expressed their team's disappointment in the wake of the docu-film's canceled screenings at Cinemalaya.

In response to GMA News Online via email, Tan said they were only informed on Sunday, Aug. 4, that "Lost Sabungeros" will be pulled out from the film festival.

According to Tan, it took over two years to create the documentary despite threats against their lives. For him, the cancellation of the screenings also denies the opportunity to tell the stories of the missing sabungeros' families.

"Higit dalawang taon naming binuo ang pelikula, sa kabila ng panganib sa aming mga buhay, para lang makapagbigay ng boses sa mga taong walang tinig; kaya nakakadismaya na ikansela hindi lang ang pelikula, kundi ang kalayaang marinig ang kuwento ng mga pamilya ng higit tatlumpung mga nawawalang sabungero," said Tan.

[“We spent over two years making the film, despite all the dangers, to give voice to the voiceless. It’s disheartening. Not only was the movie premiere canceled, but the opportunity to hear the stories of the families of the over 30 missing sabungeros was also denied.”]

While Cinemalaya cited "security concerns" as the primary reason for the premiere's cancellation, they did not elaborate on what these concerns were. GMA News Online has also reached out to Cinemalaya but has yet to receive a reply as of writing.

Meanwhile, "Lost Sabungeros" director Bryan Brazil told GMA News Online that they were powerless over the film's cancellation and hoped this won't be a precedent for independent filmmakers.

"Masakit ‘yun para sa team at lalo sa characters naming patuloy na lumalaban. Wala rin namin kaming laban sa pag-cancel sa amin, decision nila ‘yun. I hope hindi itong maging precedent lalo na sa independent filmmakers na gumagawa ng mga pelikulang nagpapamulat at mapagpalaya," said Brazil.

[“It's painful for the team, especially for those fighting to have their voices heard. The cancellation of 'Lost Sabungeros' screenings was Cinemalaya's decision. I hope this doesn't set a precedent, particularly for independent filmmakers who strive to enlighten and reveal the truth through their films."]

On Sunday evening, Lee Joseph Castel, GMA Public Affairs Senior Assistant Vice President and a producer of Lost Sabungeros, underscored that as journalists and ordinary citizens, the public shouldn't just accept that there are people who disappeared mysteriously.

He also wondered whose security was truly protected from threats in light of the film's cancellation.

"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," said Castel.

[“With the cancellation of ‘Lost Sabungeros’ screenings at the Cinemalaya, who are we really protecting from security threats? Who are we saving from the documentary’s revelations? The Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival is no longer free, no longer independent.”]

However, "Lost Sabungeros" might still reach audiences.

The production team has received several invitations to screen the film at various venues and is exploring other opportunities as well.

Despite the challenges, the team remains determined to present "Lost Sabungeros" to the public as it is.

GMA Public Affairs and GMA Pictures will announce the dates and locations for the screening of the docu-film once the details have been finalized.

"Lost Sabungeros" was originally scheduled to be screened on Aug. 8 and 9 at Ayala Malls Manila Bay. Now the screenings have been replaced by ‘Balota’ and ‘The Wedding Dance’.

Directed by Brazil, the documentary looks into the disappearances of over 30 sabungeros or cockfighters who have been missing since 2021. —JCB, GMA Integrated News