This was confirmed by the documentary film’s producers.
In a statement, GMA Public Affairs and GMA Pictures revealed that it has not yet secured a permit from the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) for its docu-film ‘Lost Sabungeros.’
“‘Lost Sabungeros,’ hindi ni-review ng MTRCB kaya hindi muna maipapalabas sa mga regular na sinehan at telebisyon.”
It disclosed that the reason cited behind it was the film’s possible violation of the subjudice rule, which prohibits the discussion of an ongoing court case in a public fora.
Officials and representatives from GMA have since met with people from the MTRCB to discuss ways for ‘Lost Sabungeros’ to get a permit to exhibit from the board.
In spite of this development, the Kapuso film outfit said that the scheduled campus screenings of the movie, including the one at the University of the Philippines (UP) Film Institute from November 28 to 29 will push through.
This, as the MTRCB does not have the jurisdiction in these institutions.
Directed by Bryan Brazil, the documentary delves into the case of the missing cockfights enthusiasts or bettors.
Back in August 2024, it was originally slated to premiere during the Cinemalaya Film Festival, but it had to be pulled out due to “security concerns,” with the exact matter not being explicitly stated at that point in time.
Eventually, it was included in the QCinema International Festival, which ran from November 8 to 17, 2024, and made its world premiere during the film-fest’s second day on November 9.