THE Bagong Lipunan Enhanced Synergy and Stewardship for Economic Development (Blessed) announced that production has started for a film featuring the daily struggles of Filipino fishermen and government forces against Chinese intrusion in the West Philippine Sea.
The film now in development follows the success of the acclaimed documentary “Food Delivery: Fresh from the West Philippine Sea.”
The film aims to shed light on the harassment endured by Filipino fishermen from Chinese maritime forces and the resilience of coastal communities dependent on the sea for their livelihood.
It will also tackle the significance of the Philippines’ 2016 legal victory in the maritime dispute under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
Jose Antonio Goitia, who leads four civic-oriented organizations, said the film will confront “the violence and abuse committed by foreign aggressors,” and will “open the eyes of every Filipino to the full truth.”
“It will show not only the courage of our fishermen but also the real threats they endure in our own seas. No one can watch it and remain indifferent,” Goitia said.
He added that the upcoming film is a part of a larger fight for dignity and unity, echoing President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s assertion that sovereignty is “nonnegotiable.”
”What is the worth of a nation if it cannot defend its dignity? The Filipino spirit cannot be negotiated away. Our seas are ours by law, by history, and by sacrifice. With the President leading and the people united, we will never yield,” Goitia said.
“Our fishermen endure harassment at sea. Our soldiers put themselves at risk to guard our waters. Our leaders carry the weight of international pressure. The least we can do is to stand with them. Division is weakness. Unity is strength. Sovereignty is everyone’s duty,” added Goitia, who serves as chairman emeritus of Alyansa ng Bantay sa Kapayapaan at Demokrasya, People’s Alliance for Democracy and Reforms, Liga Independencia Pilipinas and Filipinos Do Not Yield.
Blessed has yet to announce the title and premiere date of the movie.
FRANCO JOSE C. BAROÑA
