Beijing Accused of Blocking Filipino Film on South China Sea

It chronicles military resupply missions and fishermen's struggles in disputed area

- Mara Cepeda

MANILA - A Filipino documentary chronicling military resupply missions and fishermen's daily struggles in the disputed South China Sea has sparked diplomatic tension after China attempted to halt the film's initial screening.

Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Baby Ruth Villarama and produced by Manila-based Voyage Studios, Food Delivery: Fresh From The West Philippine Sea was initially set to have its premiere in March at the PureGold CinePanalo Film Festival in Manila.

The title uses the term Filipinos officially call the portion of the South China Sea that lies within the Philippines' 200-nautical-mile Exclusive Economic Zone, but which Beijing insists falls under its control.

The film was quietly dropped from the Manila festival line-up due to what organizers cited as "external factors." No official reason was given, but Ms. Villarama's team believes political pressure from China played a role.

"It was clear these efforts were not about artistic dialogue," Ms. Villarama told The Straits Times. "They were about control. The Chinese government has long used economic pressure to influence institutions into pushing a single narrative.

"But here is the thing: We have listened to their stories. We buy their products. We have watched their films and respect their culture. I just hope they have the same courage to listen and to watch ours this time."

Despite the controversy, the Philippine premiere is set for July 27 at a popular shopping mall in Manila. The government's board of censors had rated the film suitable for general viewing with parental guidance since March, days before it was pulled from the local film festival.

The film made its international debut on June 30 at the Doc Edge Festival in New Zealand, where it screened to positive reviews despite a formal protest from the Chinese Consulate-General in Auckland. Screenings in Wellington and Christchurch have been scheduled for later in July.