The Trailer Of Cherie Gil's Short Film On Rape, 'TheRapist', Disapproved By The MTRCB

CHERIE GIL is back as a Kapuso in “Alyas Robin Hood” after she did “Dolce Amore” with ABS-CBN that ended last month. She also stars in the short film “TheRapist” (a play on the words therapist and the rapist), whose trailer has been disapproved by the MTRCB for public exhibition. She plays a therapist and co-stars with Marco Morales.

Directed by Ms. Diane Ventura, “TheRapist” is scheduled for commercial release on Nov. 2, in tandem with the commercial run of Ventura’s first full-length feature film, the award-winning “Mulat (Awaken)” starring Jake Cuenca, Ryan Eigenmann and newcomer Loren Burgos. In a letter sent to Solar Films, the local distributor of both films by Ventura, MTRCB chief Eugenio Villareal ruled that the trailer is “not for public exhibition”, citing “language and scenes depicting sexual activity” as the reason for the disapproval.


Director Diane Ventura, defends her short film: “I understand how this movie could be misconstrued as condoning the vile act of rape. But in this film, I’m not talking about the jump-out-of-the-bushes assault of a helpless victim. I’m talking about certain situations wherein a girl actually has the power and capability to get herself out of a possibly precarious situation where she feels uncomfortable and unsettled.“

Diane adds: “It’s about female empowerment and not allowing yourself to be put in situations that you do not want to be in, or get yourself in a position where your decision-making capabilities are vitiated. Rape is a detestable crime. That is why this film is important. It tells us that though we have no control over other people's actions and moral values, we do we have control of ourselves and having awareness of this fact helps us in becoming more pro-active. This way, we have the power not to put ourselves in a helpless predicament.”

Ventura’s “TheRapist” was the official selection in the following film festivals Cinemanila, World Cinema Festival in Brazil, Luang Prabang Festival in Laos and the International Film Festival Manhattan in New York. The public may yet have a chance to see “TheRapist” should MTRCB give it the go signal to be featured side-by-side “Mulat (Awaken)” on Nov. 2 at your favorite theaters.

In “Mulat”, Ventura won best director while Jake Cuenca won best actor at the International Film Festival Manhattan in New York; and Best Narrative Feature and Best Actor for Jake Cuenca again from the recent Brazil World Cinema Festival.