DGPI releases statement following 'Lost Sabungeros' cancellation: 'We stand resolute in our commitment to creative freedom'

The Directors' Guild of the Philippines (DGPI) has expressed its firm support of creative freedom and safety among film workers who undertake the dangerous work of telling stories in pursuit of the truth.

On Facebook Thursday, DGPI President Mark Meily shared the guild's statement following the cancellation of screenings of docu film "Lost Sabungeros" at the Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival last week.

"We are deeply concerned by the intimidation tactics employed by parties that seek to stifle the voice of filmmakers. The recent disruption, which resulted in the unfortunate cancellation of the screening of 'Lost Sabungeros' for public safety reasons is a stark reminder of the challenges faced by those who dare to challenge the entrenched through their art," the DGPI said.

The DGPI offered its thoughts and empathy to the documentary's filmmaker and producers, as well as the Cinemalaya festival and the audience affected by the cancellation.

It also underscored the foremost importance of the creative community's safety and urged filmmakers to persevere in their pursuit of storytelling amid threats and intimidation.

"The DGPI calls upon all filmmakers and our society to protect this freedom and democratic space, and to remain brave and resolute in their creative endeavors," the DGPI said. "It is through the courage to confront uncomfortable truths and address societal issues that we contribute to a more informed and empathetic world."

"Lost Sabungeros," the first-ever investigative documentary film of GMA Public Affairs and GMA Pictures, was set to premiere at Cinemalaya 2024 but its screenings were dashed due to "security concerns."

The docufilm, which took over two years to make, investigates the disappearances of over 30 sabungeros or cockfighters who have been missing since 2021.

Tolits Tan, one of the film's producers, told GMA News Online that Cinemalaya did not elaborate to them what these security concerns were. He added that its cancellation denies the opportunity to tell the stories of the missing sabungeros' families.

Director Bryan Brazil also told GMA News Online that they were powerless over the film's cancellation and hoped this won't be a precedent for independent filmmakers.

Nevertheless, the production team is determined to present "Lost Sabungeros" to the public as it is.

GMA Public Affairs and GMA Pictures shall announce the dates and locations of the film's screening once details are finalized.

— CDC, GMA Integrated News