GMA Public Affairs’ first investigative docu film “Lost Sabungeros” marks world premiere at Cinemalaya

HIGHLY regarded for its award-winning documentaries, GMA Public Affairs is taking the genre to another level as it presents its first-ever investigative documentary film, “Lost Sabungeros” – set to premiere at the 2024 Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival this August.

Directed by Bryan Brazil, “Lost Sabungeros” aims to investigate and find answers regarding the disappearances of over 30 sabungeros who have been abducted in various incidents since 2021.

When the COVID-19 pandemic shut down all cockfighting arenas in the Philippines, the century-old gambling bloodsport moved online and grew into a money-making machine overnight, creating instant millionaires. But things took a shocking turn when more than 30 men disappeared without a trace. In nine months, groups of cockfighters disappeared in three major arenas, while others were abducted in their homes or on the road. Months after the serial disappearances, not one has been found—dead or alive.

“Lost Sabungeros” documents some of the lives of people whose world has been turned upside down because of the bloodsport.

One of them is a father who has been a longtime sabungero. He has built his empire around cockfighting. Little did he know that the world he has been living in would cost him the life of his son, who was a driver for cockfighters.

Meanwhile, a woman watches as her partner, an e-sabong agent earning millions, gets snatched away right in front of her.

The team behind the docu-film also meets another woman whose brother works as a gaffer in a cockfighting arena. One day, her brother disappears with no trace. She later discovers her brother’s belongings inside an abandoned van.

“Lost Sabungeros” is one of the most dangerous and courageous investigative documentaries that GMA Public Affairs has produced to date. Reports of unidentified individuals observing the team and case studies during filming have surfaced. The families of the missing sabungeros are understandably cautious, expressing concerns for their safety and the potential risk of being targeted for abduction.

Despite these perils, they still choose to come forward, disregarding potential threats and peril. They want to uncover the truth behind the disappearances of their loved ones in what has been described as a “perfect crime” by no less than a Philippine Senator.

“Hindi naging madali ang proseso sa pagbuo ng dokumentaryo dahil ilang taon din sinundan ng team ang mga karakter sa kanilang paghahanap sa kanilang mahal sa buhay. Para sa akin, mahalagang mapanood ito ng ating kababayan dahil hindi lang ito kuwento ng mga sabungero, pinapakita rin nito ang matagal ng problema ng ating bansa, ang kawalang hustisya o culture of impunity na kalimitang binibiktima ang mahihirap at walang boses. (The process of creating the documentary was not easy, the team spent several years following the characters in their search for their loved ones. In my view, it is crucial for our fellow citizens to watch the film, as it explores not just the story of cockfighters but also exposes the long-standing issues of our country — the lack of justice and the culture of impunity that often victimizes the poor and voiceless.),” Brazil said.

Brazil is a homegrown GMA Public Affairs executive producer and director who has already won in the New York Festivals for his work in “The Atom Araullo Specials,” “Stand For Truth,” and “Brigada.” He also directed the EBS International Documentary Festival Winner “My Little Dancing Shoes,” which won the Tokyo Doc’s ‘Colours of Asia 2018’ Award.

The highlight of “Lost Sabungeros” is the three whistleblowers who came forward to share their knowledge about the crimes allegedly committed by those who abducted the missing sabungeros.

Produced by GMA Public Affairs and GMA Pictures, “Lost Sabungeros” will premiere at the 20th Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival on August 8, 5 PM, at Ayala Mall Manila Bay Cinema 2.