SUNUD-SUNOD ang isyu sa Oro. Ang latest ay ang panawagan ni Sen. Grace Poe na rebyuhin ang ibinigay na FPJ Memorial Award sa naturang pelikula dahil sa eksenang may asong kinatay na mainit na ipinoprotesta ngayon ng animal rights advocates.

“I call on the MMFF organizers to look into the matter of whether a dog was actually butchered as part of the filming of the movie Oro in violation of the existing law on animal welfare.

“If in fact that were the case, I condemn such act and would move for the invalidation of the FPJ award given to the film.

“The MMFF and the producers of Oro should fully cooperate with the concerned government agency for the immediate investigation on this matter.

“Artistic license does not justify the violation of our laws. Though I am not part of the jury that decided on the award, it is my responsibility to uphold the values of FPJ.”

Sagot ng MMFF: “The MMFF welcomes, with much respect, the call of Senator Grace Poe to look into the alleged canine killing in the course of the filming of Oro, which was granted the FPJ Memorial Award in this year’s MMFF. As previously stated, the MMFF does not and will not condone any such wrongdoing or any misrepresentation in such regard. The MMFF has in fact called both PAWS and the makers of Oro to an inquiry today (Monday, January 2). Even as the MMFF has been made aware of actions to be undertaken by Oro in recognition of the concerns of PAWS, it is ready to cooperate with the relevant authorities in such regard.

“The MMFF will also monitor the undertakings made by the makers of Oro, without prejudice to its own evaluation of the representation process, particularly insofar as its worthiness for the said memorial award is concern.”

Nag-release rin ng official statement ang MMFF Execom sa dialogue/inquiry with PAWS & Team Oro.

“Today, the MMFF Executive Committee met with representatives from both the Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) and the film Oro. During the dialogues, the following were established:

1.The MMFF posed no obstacle to the participation of the film, further to the determination of the Selection Committee, on account of the film’s prior representation that no dog was actually killed in connection with the subject depection. The MMFF Executive Committee takes this opportunity to strongly emphasize that it has not condoned nor will ever condone any cruelty to animals. Neiter will it allow the Festival to be the vehicle for any such actions.

2.Oro, as expressed by director Alvin Yapan, has recognized the concerns raised by PAWS and has freely and voluntary undertaking to immediately:

(a) execute a written statement/disclaimer addressed to the general audience based on its mentioned prior representation as well as its commitment to uphold animal welfare and human dignity in connection with the film; (b) come up with an amended version of the film more in keeping with animal welfare; and (c) actively cooperate with PAWS toward an awareness campaign on animal welfare, without prejudice to its pursuit of public discussion in regard to other issues raised by the film.

3. It is not within the competence of the MMFF Executive Committee to pass upon legal or evidentiary matters, especially those that go beyond the bare depections in any participant film. The MMFF Executive Committee will nonetheless rely, as it always has, on the good faith behind all representations made by the parties concerned. It has thus asked all participants to always observe goodwill and candor as regards all aspects of the festival.”

Nagtapos na ang MMFF kahapon. Pero ang mga tao sa likod ng MMFF ay nais maisakatuparan ang mga sumusunod:

1.The continued screening of all 8 titles in 10 SM Cinemas in selected cities from January 4-7; 2. Negotiating with the other cinema chains for a similar extension (still waiting for the cooperatin of Ayala and Robinsons cinemas) 3.

And laying the groundwork for an extensive MMFF School Caravan.

Kasamang dumalo ng Team Oro sa inquiry-meeting ng MMFF at PAWS ang nanalong Best Actress na si Irma Adlawan. Dala niya ang kanyang MMFF trophy na handa niyang isauli sakaling hingin ng MMFF Execom, pero walang nangyaring bawian o saulian.

Samantala, sa pag-uusap ng abogado ng partido, nagkusa na ang produksyon ng Oro na, 1) maglalabas ng disclaimer ang produksiyon tungkol sa graphic content nito kasabay ng commitment nila sa pakikipaglaban para sa human rights and animal welfare; 2) magkaroon ng bagong bersiyon ang pelikula na aalisin ang objectionable scene; at 3) ang patuloy na education campaign para sa advocacy ng pelikula at ng PAWS.

Pero nanindigan pa rin ang PAWS na i-pull out sa mga sinehan ang pelikula. Itutuloy pa rin nila ang pagsasampa ng kasong criminal na hindi na sakop ng jurisdiction ng MMFF. (NITZ MIRALLES)