Official Statement of DGPI on Cancellation of ‘Lost Sabungeros’ at Cinemalaya 2024
LOST SABUNGEROS – The Director Guild of the Philippines, Inc. (DGPI) has issued a statement regarding the cancellation of the docu-film at the 20th Cinemalaya Film Festival. The cancellation, which occurred on August 15, 2024, was attributed to “security concerns,” sparking significant concern from the DGPI.
In their Facebook post, the DGPI condemned the intimidation tactics used to suppress the voices of filmmakers. They described the cancellation as a troubling reminder of the difficulties faced by artists who challenge established norms through their work. The DGPI expressed solidarity with the filmmaker, producers, festival organizers, and the audience affected by the situation, emphasizing the importance of safety for the creative community.
“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,” DGPI said.
Despite the challenges, the DGPI urged filmmakers and society to continue safeguarding creative freedom and democratic spaces. They called on creators to remain courageous and steadfast in their work, highlighting that confronting uncomfortable truths and addressing societal issues is essential for fostering a more informed and empathetic world.
“Our thoughts and empathy are with the filmmaker, the producers, the festival, and the audience affected by this distressing situation. The safety of our creative community is paramount, and it is through collective vigilance and solidarity that we will overcome these challenges,” DGPI added.
The Director Guild of the Philippines, Inc. (DGPI) is a professional organization in the Philippines that represents film and television directors. Its primary role is to support and promote the interests of directors in the industry. DGPI works to advance the craft of directing, protect the rights of its members, and foster a collaborative environment within the film and television sectors. The organization often engages in advocacy related to industry standards, creative freedom, and the overall welfare of directors and their creative work.
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