TheRapist trailer disapproved by MTRCB for public exhibition

MANILA, Philippines -  The Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) has disapproved the public exhibition of the trailer of the short film TheRapist.

The award-winning short film starring Cherie Gil was directed by Diane Ventura and was earmarked for commercial release on Nov. 2, supposedly to open the commercial run of Ventura’s first full-length feature film, the award-winning Mulat (Awaken) starring Jake Cuenca, Ryan Eigenmann and newcomer Loren Burgos.

In a letter sent to Solar Films, the local distributor of both films by Ventura, MTRCB chief Eugenio Villareal ruled that the trailer is “not for public exhibition” citing “language and scenes depicting sexual activity” as the reason for such a decision.

Ventura defends her short film. “I understand how this movie could be misconstrued as condoning the vile act of rape. But in this film, I’m not talking about the jump-out-of-the-bushes assault of a helpless victim. I’m talking about certain situations wherein a girl actually has the power and capability to get herself out of a possibly precarious situation where she feels uncomfortable and unsettled.”

She adds, “It’s about female empowerment and not allowing yourself to be put in situations that you do not want to be in, or get yourself in a position where your decision-making capabilities are vitiated.

“Rape is a detestable crime. That is why this film is important. It tells us that though we have no control over other people’s actions and moral values, we do have control of ourselves. And having awareness of this fact helps us in becoming more pro-active. This way, we have the power not to put ourselves in a helpless predicament.”

Ventura’s TheRapist was the official selection in the following film festivals Cinemanila, World Cinema Festival in Brazil, Luang Prabang Festival in Laos and the International Film Festival Manhattan in New York. 

There’s no word yet if MTRCB will give TheRapist the go-signal to be featured side-by-side with Mulat (Awaken) on Nov. 2 in theaters.

Mulat, on the other hand, gave Ventura the Best Director citation, and Best Actor citation for Cuenca from the International Film Festival Manhattan in New York; and Best Narrative Feature and Best Actor for Cuenca again from the Brazil World Cinema Festival recently.