‘Lost Sabungeros’ director thanks QCinema for docu-film’s inclusion in 2024 lineup

MANILA, Philippines — Following the cancellation of its supposed Philippine premiere in another local independent film festival, the documentary film “Lost Sabungeros” is going to be finally screened at the QCinema International Film Festival 2024.

Screening of GMA Public Affairs and GMA Pictures’ first investigative docu-film was canceled at the 20th Cinemalaya back in August due to “security concerns.”

Helmed by Bryan Brazil, “Lost Sabungeros” aims to investigate and find answers after 30 sabungeros (cockfighters) went missing in various incidents since 2021.

Brazil extended his gratitude to QCinema for the inclusion of the film in its 12th 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,” he said during the QCinema’s presscon held recently at Max’s Restaurant, Scout Tuazon. “‘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.”

QCinema festival director Ed Lejano explained the film’s inclusion at the film event. “QCinema has its own classification system so we have a platform for that na dapat maging ganito yung point of view na ‘to (so we have a platform that should reflect this point of view).”

“And thank you GMA Films for allowing us to show this. ‘The Gaze (theme of QCinema 2024)’ also applies to the gaze of documentary filmmakers, not just to (full-length feature) filmmakers, but also to the shorts, documentaries. Maybe we have four to five documentaries this year that have their place in every film festival,” he added.

Lejano also felt the need for it to be shown in the film festival after watching the docu. “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.”

“Lost Sabungeros” will be screened under the Special Screenings section, alongside “An Errand” by Dominic Baekart; “If My Lover Were a Flower” by Kaung Zan; and “A Thousand Forests” by Hanz Florentino.

The docu-film screening schedule are as follows: Gala with question and answer segment on Nov 9, 8:35 p.m. at the Gateway Cinema 16; Nov. 10, 5:15 p.m. at the Gateway Cinema 16; and Nov. 12, 1:45 p.m. at the Gateway Cinema 15.

The film festival will showcase 77 titles, including 22 short films and 55 full-length films, across 11 sections. These films will be screened across Gateway Cineplex 18, Ayala Malls Cinema at Trinoma, Red Carpet at Shangri-la Plaza, and Powerplant Mall from Nov. 8 to 17.

The QCinema will also feature QCinema Project Market which is a platform for filmmakers and producers to connect, secure funding, expand their networks, gain exposure, and develop their pitching skills. It aims to support the creation of innovative and globally relevant films, contributing to the growth and development of the regional and international film industry.