FILE

The Directors' Guild of the Philippines, Inc. (DGPI) has made it clear. They’re not happy with the recent decisions by the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB). Two films, "Alipato at Muog" and "Dear Satan," were given an X-rating, which many believe was not only harsh but also biased. The DGPI sees this as a step in the wrong direction, claiming that the MTRCB’s decisions seem influenced by political and religious agenda, rather than objective film evaluation.

The Story Behind "Alipato at Muog"

Let’s start with *"Alipato at Muog."* This isn’t your typical fictional film. It's a documentary that highlights the tragic forced disappearance of an activist. It tells a story that is based on real events and aims to bring attention to a critical injustice. However, the MTRCB initially slapped it with an X-rating, arguing that it undermines government authority. This rating essentially labeled the documentary as unfit for public viewing, which baffled many, especially those familiar with its content.

The backlash was swift, with many pointing out that documentaries like this serve as essential tools for public discourse and awareness. After some noise was made, the MTRCB did reconsider, reclassifying the film to R-16. But according to the DGPI, the damage was done. They argue that this whole situation reveals a worrying inconsistency in the MTRCB’s decision-making process.

The Controversy Over "Dear Satan"

Next up, "Dear Satan." Just hearing the title might make some people uncomfortable, but the DGPI says there's much more to the story. The film isn’t about glorifying evil. Instead, it presents a rather unique narrative—Satan learning to do good deeds. It’s a fictional tale that challenges traditional ideas about antagonists, showing that even someone like Satan can transform. Despite this positive twist, the MTRCB decided to hand out an X-rating.

The DGPI is scratching its head over this one. They argue that portraying a character like Satan in a new light is hardly new in literature or cinema. Films like "Lucifer" and "Hellboy" have tackled similar themes, and yet, they didn’t face the same harsh judgment.

DGPI’s Call for Fairness

At the heart of the issue is the DGPI’s concern that the MTRCB might be allowing personal, political, or religious biases to influence its ratings. They believe that the board’s role is to give objective classifications based on content—not to pass moral judgments that could stifle creativity. The guild is urging the MTRCB to take a closer look at its processes and ensure future decisions are free from bias, allowing for a more transparent and fair evaluation system.

For filmmakers and creatives, the DGPI’s stand is clear: freedom of expression and creativity should be protected, and films should be judged based on their merit, not on subjective opinions. The hope is that moving forward the MTRCB will uphold this principle and allow art to flourish without unnecessary constraints.