Unraveling the Truth Behind “Tatsulok”: A Filmmaker’s Defense
In an emotional video statement, filmmaker Jhonny Bobier has stepped into the spotlight to address mounting controversies surrounding his much-anticipated film, “Tatsulok.” This heartfelt declaration comes in the wake of allegations of a fake MTRCB permit tied to the premiere scheduled for August 21.
“I want to make my position clear,” Bobier stated, his voice resonating with sincerity. “I had nothing to do with that alleged fake MTRCB permit. I don’t even know where it came from.”
The Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) previously indicated that discrepancies were found linking “Tatsulok Trilogy” and Tanajuan Pelikula Production— the team behind the film. Bobier insists he never secured an MTRCB permit for the premiere night and explained that, in his previous film festival experiences, the screening requirements were handled differently.
“This was my first time navigating the process as an individual filmmaker,” he admitted, reflecting on the challenges he faced. “I relied heavily on the Gateway Cineplex representative who managed our agreement.”
Bobier had rented the cinema for the premiere, confident in the partnership formed. “I genuinely believed the cinema would guide us in securing the necessary permits,” he explained. In his understanding, an MTRCB permit wasn’t mandatory for the premiere but was required for the public screening scheduled for August 29.
In a twist of fate, by the second week of August, Bobier had still not received a confirmation for the August 21 screening, despite tickets already being sold out. It wasn’t until the management provided a letter of agreement regarding their legal arrangement that clarity began to emerge.
“If the MTRCB permit was indeed required for the event, why didn’t the cinema inform us straight away?” Bobier questioned. As he and his team scrambled to secure the needed permit for the public screening, they encountered roadblocks with the MTRCB’s availability.
On the premiere night, just as the event was set to begin, a cinema representative informed Bobier that an MTRCB permit was required. “It felt like a punch in the gut,” he expressed, recalling how he stood at a precipice of embarrassment. “Stopping the screening at that moment would have disrupted everything. Our guests were already inside, and I was terrified of having to tell them there would be no show.”
Determined not to let his supporters down, Bobier asserted, “If they did anything to ruin our event, I would take legal action.” With emotions swirling, they decided to move forward with the screening, leaving the issue to be resolved later.
However, Bobier couldn’t shake the feeling that raising the permit issue at such a late stage was suspicious. “This cinema regularly screens films,” he asserted. “They should have warned us about these requirements from the start. Or at least made it clear that we needed the permit before we started preparations.”
On August 26, the saga took another turn when Gateway Cineplex issued a public notice, severing ties with Tanajuan Pelikula and announcing that “Tatsulok” wouldn’t screen at any of their locations. Bobier felt compelled to defend not only himself but his film. “Because of that statement, I knew I had to share my side of the story,” he reflected.
It was more than just a misunderstanding; it was about respect and acknowledgment in the film industry. “The rules and processes should be plain and clear,” he emphasized. With so much at stake, Bobier is consulting with his lawyer, demanding the due process he feels is essential.
As this story unfolds, the emotions are undeniable. For Bobier, this isn’t just about a film or permits—it’s about integrity, accountability, and, above all, facing challenges with courage. His experience serves as a reminder for all creators that behind every film, there’s a passionate heart dedicated to telling a story.
