The Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival has abruptly canceled the screenings of the GMA Public Affairs and GMA Pictures documentary, “Lost Sabungeros,” citing security concerns.
“Due to security concerns, the screenings of ‘Lost Sabungeros’ on August 8, 2024, and August 9, 2024, have been canceled,” the post read.
The film was originally set to premiere on Aug. 8 and 9 at Ayala Malls Manila Bay.
As a replacement, the festival will screen the Marian Rivera-starrer, “Balota,” on August 8.
Following the announcement, GMA Public Affairs’ assistant vice president Lee Joseph Castel expressed his disappointment over the cancellation of the docu-film’s screening.
“All threats should be taken seriously. But canceling the screening of ‘Lost Sabungeros’ at Cinemalaya is a victory for those who sow fear,” wrote Castel.
“We spent nearly two years creating this docu-film, accepting the inherent risks. However, the production braved the dangers to investigate the disappearance of over thirty sabungeros. As journalists, and even as ordinary people, we should not accept that individuals can mysteriously vanish,” he continued.
“Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival. No longer free. No longer independent. In the game of the powerful, the voiceless victims continue to seek justice,” added Castel.
“Lost Sabungeros” marked the first investigative documentary from GMA Public Affairs and delved into the mysterious disappearance of over 30 sabungeros since 2021. The film was directed by Bryan Kristoffer Brazil.
The Cinemalaya Film Festival runs until Aug. 11.
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