The Directors’ Guild of the Philippines, Inc. (DGPI) issued a statement in support of creative freedom and safety, stating that the unfortunate cancellation of the film is a “stark reminder of the challenges faced by those who dare to challenge the entrenched through their art.”
Now, Lost Sabungeros has found a new platform to share the story of these individuals through the QCinema International Film Festival.
Director Bryan Brazil expressed his gratitude to QCinema for including the film in their roster of documentaries for this year’s screenings.
“Thank you very much, QCinema. This film has gone a long way, and we’re really happy to be given this platform in QCinema. Lost Sabungeros is the story of the families of missing cockfighters who have still not been found. This is not just their story but also the story of our nation and the solutions for our society,” he said.
When the COVID-19 pandemic shut down all cockfighting arenas in the Philippines, the century-old gambling bloodsport moved online and grew into a money-making machine overnight. But things took a shocking turn when more than 30 men disappeared without a trace.
Lost Sabungeros documents the lives of people whose worlds have been turned upside down because of the bloodsport.
The highlight of Lost Sabungeros is the three whistleblowers who came forward to share their knowledge about the crimes allegedly committed by those who abducted the missing sabungeros.
Lost Sabungeros premiere today at 8:35 p.m. at Cinema 16, Gateway Cineplex 18 in Quezon City. This will be followed by a talk-back session moderated by Kara David, during which the directors, producers, and relatives of the missing sabungeros will be interviewed.
The film will have additional screenings tomorrow, Nov. 10, at 5:15 p.m. at Cinema 16 and on Nov. 12 at 1:45 p.m. at Cinema 15 of Gateway Cineplex 18.
