Scene from “Home of the Brave” –VOYAGER STUDIOS INC. The move to cancel the screenings of the documentary “Lost Sabungeros” by organizers of this year’s Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival has raised more questions and concerns, “making people even more curious to see the film,” according to award-winning documentarist Baby Ruth Villarama (“Sunday Beauty Queen,” “Jazz in Love” and “Little Azkals”). The world premiere of “Lost Sabungeros,” GMA Public Affairs’ first documentary film, on Aug.
8 was canceled “due to security concerns,” according to a statement from the Cinemalaya and the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), which produces the annual indie fete. Villarama’s 42-minute film, “Home of the Brave,” is also part of the Cinemalaya lineup. It will be screened on Aug.
10, 5 p.m., at the Ayala Malls Manila Bay.
“I’m just as disappointed and disgusted as everyone else,” Villarama said when Inquirer Entertainment sought her reaction to the cancellation. “I’ve always believed that Cinemalaya has consistently provided a safe platform for independent storytelling. We must stop empowering those who create unnecessary threats, especially when it comes at the expense of freedom of expression and the integrity of the festival.
” Bryan Brazil’s “Lost Sabungeros” aims to investigate and find answers regarding the disappearances of over 30 sabungeros abducted in various incidents since 2021. Filmmaker Baby Ru.