With the decision of the organizers of the Cine Panalo Film Festival telling the creators of the documentary film “Food Delivery: Fresh from the Philippine Sea” directed by Baby Ruth Villarama that it was pulled out from the lineup of the fest, many movie denizens were apprehensive and their aired their views on the cancellation of the film project.
Cine Panalo said that the movie was cancelled because of “external factors,” a vague idea which wasn’t fully explained by them.
Many showbiz people, specifically filmmakers, have stood up for the film.
According to writer and director Elvert Banares: I support you, Baby Ruth Villlarama and team on this one. Hoping that you get the best screening conditions and the distribution your film deserves. This documentary about the West Philippine Sea needs to be seen by Filipinos especially in their own country.”
Director and producer Will Fredo said he is a believer in the authentic voices of real people to better their lives and not depend on patronage with unscrupulous motives.
“This film carries the voices of our fishermen, soldiers, and coast guard [of] our West Philippine Sea — stories that must be seen, heard, and remembered.
“Silencing these voices will only make them louder. This story will be told. And we won’t stop until it reaches every Filipino and the world.
“We stand with you, Baby Ruth Villarama and Chuck Gutierrez,” said Will.
Progressive director and producer Jay Altarejos spoke about total independence of film artists from authoritarianism in the arts.
“The removal of Baby Ruth Villarama’s 's ‘Food Delivery…” from the Cine Panalo Film Festival is not just disappointing; it is a blatant act of cowardice and suppression of freedom of expression. While the official statement attempts to frame this as a mutual decision, it is clear that external pressures dictated the outcome. This is worse than censorship. It is an outright betrayal of the very filmmakers the festival claims to support.
“The festival’s statement is devoid of any accountability from both the organizers and the festival director. Instead of vague justifications, they should be transparent about the real reasons behind this decision. Cine Panalo and its organizers, particularly Chris Cahilig, should stop pretending to help the film industry if they lack the courage and integrity to stand by their artists in the face of difficult truths.
“The industry does not need more corporate-driven marketing stunts disguised as advocacy. It needs real, fearless support for filmmakers who dare to tell important stories,” Jay enthused bravely.
Before the reactions of her colleagues on the matter, Baby Ruth posted on her social media territories her sentiment about the pullout of her film. “With a heavy heart, we share that Food Delivery: Fresh from the West Philippine Sea has been pulled from all screenings at the Puregold Cine Panalo Film Festival starting Friday, March 14. The festival cited ‘external factors’ beyond their control,” she explained.
It was Villarama’s judiciousness that prevailed. “To avoid disruptions and protect the other films, we have agreed to comply for now,” she quipped.
Here’s Cine Panalo and Baby Ruth’s joint statement about the cancellation of the film from the festival:
“We regret to confirm that ‘Food Delivery…’ has been pulled from the festival. While this decision was made jointly by the organizers and the filmmakers, it is clear that external factors influenced this outcome.
“We deeply appreciate those who believe in the film’s importance and will announce alternative screenings soon.
“I am truly sorry that this is happening just before our gala screening. But this film—our tribute to the struggles of Filipino fishermen and soldiers in the West Philippine Sea—will find its audience. Their stories deserve to reach you,” they said.
Meanwhile, Villarama is optimistic about the prospects of screening her doc in the near future. “We will keep you posted yet hopeful, Baby Ruth.”
During the shoot of the film, Baby Ruth was emphatic about the contents of her subject when she posted these words: “Salute to the protectors of the West Philippine Sea and the Last Frontier,” she exclaimed.
“3 days in the West Philippine Sea, 30 days in post—today, February 25, we locked the picture. This voyage has deepened our appreciation for what is ours. ‘Food Delivery…’ is coming soon!” Villarama noted.
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