The screening of "Lost Sabungeros," a movie that aims to investigate and find answers regarding the disappearances of over 30 sabungeros who have been abducted in various incidents since 2021, has been canceled.

Cinemalaya made the official announcement late Sunday afternoon, four days before its world premiere, at the 20th Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival at the Ayala Mall Manila Bay Cinema 2.

A statement sent by GMA Network read: "GMA Public Affairs received the following announcement from Cinemalaya: 'Due to security concerns, the screenings of Lost Sabungeros have been canceled.' "

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

Despite these perils, they still 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.