Kapuso news personalities show support for ‘Lost Sabungeros’

MANILA, Philippines — Due to public demand, the controversial documentary film “Lost Sabungeros” has added one more screening schedule today, 1:15 p.m., at Cinema 11 in Gateway Cineplex 18 as part of the QCinema International Film Festival 2024. The filmfest will also conclude today after its 10-day run.

“Lost Sabungeros” is GMA Public Affairs and GMA Pictures’ first investigative docu-film megged by Bryan Brazil. The film’s supposed world premiere was canceled at the 20th Cinemalaya back in August due to “security concerns.”

GMA Public Affairs first vice president and GMA Pictures executive vice president Nessa Valdellon with National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts Ricky Lee.

The docu-film examines the mysterious disappearances of over 30 sabungeros (cockfighters) in various incidents since 2021, interviewing the families of the victims, and looking into the dark underbelly of cockfighting, and its ties with people in power, according to its synopsis.

After its sold-out premiere last week attended by some of the top Kapuso news personalities, GMA Public Affairs and GMA Pictures head Nessa Valdellon wrote about “Lost Sabungeros”: “While this was a documentary that it seemed no one wanted, we had one supporter who asked us to uncover the truth and allowed us to spend time and resources on the search: thank you GMA Chairman Felipe L. Gozon.”

Jessica Soho (center) with (from left) with Darlene Cay, Emil Sumangil and wife, Jonathan Andal, Saleema Refran, Nelson Canlas and Kara David.

In an earlier presscon, Brazil also thanked the QCinema for the inclusion of the film at this year’s edition. “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.

Atom Araullo

QCinema festival director Ed Lejano stated that it was necessary to screen the docu because of its investigative journalism nature and its quest for justice. “Because it’s investigative journalism and it’s a quest for justice. There are victims. And paano pa ‘to malalabas? Feeling ko baka mahirapan sa TV (And how can this come out? I feel like it might be difficult on TV.) So maybe just for its quest for justice, we can help in its own way through the festival.”

The film festival showcased a total of 77 titles, including 22 short films and 55 full-length films, across 11 sections. The films were screened across Gateway Cineplex 18 and Ayala Malls Cinemas.