ABS-CBN (via) are reporting that Philippine filmmakers are up in arms over the latest decision of the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB), stopping the commercial showing of independently produced short films on human rights in the country by giving them an “X” rating.

On September 18th, the MTRCB reviewed the collection of 30-second to one-minute films, which tackle unexplained killings and enforced disappearances involving activists and journalists, among others. The following day, they announced that the films had been rated “X” which means they are unfit for public viewing.

The 13 short films contain excerpts from news video footage from the era of martial law, the killing of former Sen. Ninoy Aquino, and demonstrations during the Marcos administration, up to the killings of militant leaders, and the abduction of others, including Jonas Burgos.

The 13 short films titled “RIGHTS” were supposed to be shown yesterday at the Indie Sine cinema in a mall in Ortigas Center, in commemoration of the 35th anniversary of martial law and International Day of Peace.

Although the launching of the short films pushed through Friday afternoon, their public viewing was halted due to the MTRCB ruling issued on Sept. 19.

Multi-awarded filmmaker Carlitos Siguion-Reyna of the Directors Guild of the Philippines Inc. (DGPI) and Concerned Artists of the Philippines (CAP) described the MTRCB decision as being indicative of “an abusive law”.

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