Alipato at Muog (English: Flying Embers and a Fortress[1]) is a 2024 Philippine independent documentary film revolving around activist Jonas Burgos who was forcibly disappeared by suspected military personnel in 2007.[2][3][4] Written, shot, edited and directed by JL Burgos, Jonas's brother, the film premiered at the 2024 Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival on August 2, 2024.
| Alipato at Muog | |
|---|---|
 Theatrical release poster | |
| Directed by | JL Burgos |
| Written by |
|
| Produced by | Pulang Langgam Media Productions |
| Cinematography | JL Burgos |
| Edited by | JL Burgos |
| Music by | Bong Ramilo |
Release date |
|
Running time | 96 minutes |
| Country | Philippines |
Production
editAlipato at Muog is about activist Jonas Burgos who was abducted at the Ever Gotesco shopping mall in Quezon City by suspected military personnel on April 28, 2007. It was during the presidency of Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. Jonas was the son of press freedom advocate Joe Burgos who was known for his work during the martial law era under President Ferdinand Marcos.[3] The film also depicts the search of the missing Burgos.[5]
Jonas' younger brother JL Burgos is the director of the film. Work on Alipato at Muog began as soon as Jonas' disappearance was announced by the Burgoses. A mixture of materials including old mini DVD tapes, HD, and 4k footage were used for the documentary film. The release of the film was held off due to the Burgos family's hope on a positive development regarding Jonas Burgos' disappearance case.[3]
The documentary genre was chosen due to being cost effective.[3]
Release
editAlipato at Muog was shown at the 20th Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival which ran from August 2 to 11, 2024.[6][7] The film was self-rated as Parental Guidance for the Cinemalaya release.[2][8]
The film was initially given an "X" rating by the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) on August 22, 2024 for the reason that it would "undermine the faith and confidence of the people in their government and/or duly-constituted authorities". The rating would have prohibited future commercial public releases in the Philippines.[8] The film would be re-rated as "R-16" after a formal appeal and protests by JL Burgos and various activists at the MTRCB office. The "X" rating was condemned as censorship.[2][9]
Accolades
editThe film was given the Special Jury Prize at the awarding ceremony of the 20th Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival.[7]
See also
edit- Rights (film), a 2007 short anthology film also produced in response to the disappearance of Jonas Burgos
References
edit- ^ "'ALIPATO AT MUOG': In pursuit of the truth". Malaya Business Insight. July 11, 2024. Retrieved September 10, 2024.
- ^ a b c "'Alipato at Muog' reclassified to R-16 following second review of MTRCB". GMA News. September 5, 2024. Retrieved September 10, 2024.
- ^ a b c d Baltar, Le (July 15, 2024). "'Alipato at Muog': The Cinemalaya documentary about missing activist Jonas Burgos". Rappler. Archived from the original on July 15, 2024. Retrieved September 10, 2024.
- ^ "Alipato at Muog". Cinemalaya. Retrieved September 10, 2024.
- ^ PEP Troika (August 23, 2024). "Docu film na Alipato at Muog, rated X ng MTRCB" [Docu film Alipato at Muog rated X by the MTRCB]. PEP.ph (in Filipino). Philippine Entertainment Portal Inc. Retrieved August 24, 2024.
- ^ Lacsamana, Brontë H. (August 8, 2024). "Cinemalaya 2024 Pocket Reviews: Of disappearances, elections, weed, confusion, and reconnecting". Business World. Archived from the original on August 8, 2024.
- ^ a b "UPFI Film Center to screen Cinemalaya films 'Tumandok,' 'Alipato at Muog,' 'Gulay Lang, Manong'". GMA News. August 15, 2024. Retrieved September 10, 2024.
- ^ a b de Villa, Kathleen (August 24, 2024). "Jonas Burgos' brother laments 'X' rating for abduction docu". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved September 10, 2024.
- ^ Abad, Ysa (September 5, 2024). "MTRCB reclassifies 'Alipato at Muog' to R-16 rating amid protests". Rappler. Retrieved September 10, 2024.