The documentary film “Alipato at Muog” by JL Burgos, detailing the search for Jonas Burgos, the filmmaker’s brother and a farmer activist who was suspected to have been abducted by military agents while he was eating in a mall in Quezon City in 2007, is among the cinematic voices that will be heard and amplified at the 2024 Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival.   

The indie title, which is the sole documentary entry for the full-length category of the 20th edition of Cinemalaya, is a compilation of about 17 years worth of material as the footage dates back to just two days after Jonas went missing.

“Lahat ng makikita dito is part ng process of the actual search. Lahat simula ng 2007. I was a filmmaker even before Jonas disappeared. It was not just for film but to document as evidence. Ito ay document process nang paghahanap kay Jonas,” he said in an interview after the press conference held in Manila City, Wednesday.  

“This is not just a film for Cinemalaya; this is a search for justice,” he added.

In addition to shooting most of the videos, JL revealed that he also wrote the fil, and spent some six months editing the clips.

And while looking back triggers painful emotions, the filmmaker explained he endured it as the story of Jonas must be told “again and again” until they find the truth.

“There are instances when I break down while editing. But for us families of the disappeared, we have no choice kung hindi magkwento. Para 'di mawala sa isip. This is also to show people my brother is a human,” JL said emotionally.

The 10 finalists of Cinemalaya will be shown in the theaters of Ayala Malls Manila Bay from August 2-11.

According to JL, he is beyond grateful for the platform the festival will provide, as it will shine a spotlight on their plight, especially given how documentaries often struggle to find a stage.

“Maganda sa Cinemalaya, binukas sa aming independent and docu filmmakers. Especially since docu filmmakers are marginalized, isang malaking tulong 'to na maging isang malaking experience sa sinehan. Ang pelikula ay isang karanasan. 'Yung collective paiyak at galit tingin ko makakatulong sa 'min ng nanay ko,” he explained.

“Apart from creating awareness, our end goal is to find Jonas. It has been a long process… We hope it can open more avenues as we search for the truth,” the director added.

While the search for Jonas, which has stretched for nearly two decades, is grueling, JL said he finds the strength to keep going in their mother, whose resilience and determination is a beacon of hope.

“Our mother is the foundation for us! Naghahanap. If hindi siya ang nanay namin, hindi ko alam paano kami titindig ngayon,” he said.

Cinemalaya names 10 finalists for 2024 main competition
14 years after abduction, Jonas Burgos family 'steadfast in demand for justice'

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