Manila, Philippines – China is facing backlash after it attempted to stop the screening of a Filipino documentary on the West Philippine Sea during the Doc Edge Film Festival in New Zealand. The documentary, titled “Food Delivery: Fresh from the West Philippine Sea,” directed by Baby Ruth Villarama, exposes the ongoing maritime conflict between the Philippines and China and recently won the Tides of Change Award under the Best Festival Category.
According to a statement from Doc Edge, the Chinese Consulate General in Auckland sent an official letter on July 4, requesting the festival organizers to cancel future screenings of the documentary. In its message, the Consulate claimed the film was “full of disinformation and false propaganda” and accused it of being a “political tool” to push what it described as the Philippines’ “illegitimate claims” in the disputed waters.
The Consulate further argued that showing the documentary could mislead the international public and send a “wrong message” regarding the maritime conflict.
Festival Organizers Reject China’s Request
However, Doc Edge General Manager Rachel Penman firmly rejected China’s demand, asserting that the festival stands with freedom of expression and all filmmakers. “We proudly support stories that provoke dialogue and expose important truths,” she said.
The documentary premiered globally on June 30 in Auckland, featuring first-hand accounts from Filipino fishermen and maritime defenders as they navigate the challenges of operating in contested waters claimed by China.
Support from the Armed Forces of the Philippines
In a public statement, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) expressed its strong support for the filmmakers behind the award-winning documentary, praising their courage in defending the truth and national sovereignty.
The AFP emphasized that such films play a vital role in highlighting the harsh realities faced by Filipino fisherfolk and maritime patrol forces in the West Philippine Sea, amid continued foreign aggression.
A Victory for Truth and Sovereignty
“Food Delivery: Fresh from the West Philippine Sea” is being hailed as a significant victory for Philippine cinema and advocacy, bringing global awareness to the nation’s maritime struggles. The documentary’s international recognition reinforces the call for respect of Philippine territorial rights and supports efforts to bring attention to the plight of coastal communities.
Despite foreign pressure, both the filmmakers and the Doc Edge organizers remain steadfast in promoting freedom of expression, truth-telling, and cultural integrity on the global stage.
