Less than a hundred people showed up for the first screening of “Give Up Tomorrow” in SM City Cebu yesterday, the first day of a week-long run in commercial theaters in Cebu and Metro Manila.
Last-minute consent was granted by the mall theater chain to book the independent film after initial hesitation over what it said was a “sensitive” subject – allegations of a mistrial and gross injustice over Cebu’s 1997 kidnap-murder of two sisters and the life sentence of its most prominent convict, Francisco “Paco” Larrañaga who was 19 years old at when the crime took place.
With little time to advertise the show, organizers relied on website alerts, Facebook and text brigades.
Wednesday’s first screening barely filled the 800 seats in SM City’s Cinema 5.
This didn’t discourage Cebuano couple Ed and Therese Gonzalez who were among the viewers.
The couple, who said they know the Larrañaga family, said the film shows the country’s flawed law enforcement and judicial system and its impact on those accused of a crime.
“They were playing with the lives of people here. We want to know what the truth really is about the Chiong sisters and not just get boys to pay for whatever the truth is,” said Therese.
Filmmakers earlier said the public screening of the one hour, 40-minute documenatry,which has won over 15 international film awards, would gauge public interest, particularly of Cebuanos, in hearing Larrañaga’s side of the ordeal.
After being shown in 25 countries, including Spain, where Larrañaga is spending prison time, the film is being shown in Cebu for the first time.
Producer Marty Syjuco is a brother of the husband of Paco’s sister Mimi.
Interviewed by Boy Abunda in Tuesday evening’s telecast of Bandila, Syjuco said he was excited to know the reaction of viewers.
“It’s been 15 years and I’m hoping that there will be healing for the family,” he said.
Abunda questioned how healing could take place when Larrañaga and the six others convicted of the crime remain in prison. He also said the film sends a strong message to the government and the people.
“After watching the movie the third time, I became… I agree (with it). I don’t know why but that’s the effect your movie has on people,” said Abunda.
Syjuco, who is based in New York, said the documentary shows the Larrañaga family’s side of the story since Paco was not allowed to speak in court during his trial.
The Gonzales couple in the Cebu audience yesterday said they hoped the injustice doesn’t happen to others.
“I hope the conscience of people who are in power will guide them do do the right thing,” said Therese.
Husband Ed said the people in Cebu who were cheering the conviction in 2008 would feel ashamed after watching the film.
He said he believes “the power of drug money” was behind the case, which wasn’t lengthily explored in the film.
“I would probably think the police know all of this.”
Jacqueline and Marijoy Chiong were forced into a car while waiting for a ride home outside Ayala Center on the night o f July 16, 1997.
Days later, Marijoy’s body was found in a ravine in Tina-an, Carcar City. Jacqueline remains missing to this day.
In 1998, Paco Larrañaga and six companions, including some sons of affluent families were arrested. After a high-profile court trial, they were convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment which the Supreme Court upgraded to the death penalty. When the death penalty was scrapped by President Arroyo, the convicts were given life sentences. Larrañaga, a Spanish citizen by virtue of his father’s Basque origins, was flown to Madrid as an exhange prisoner under a new treaty with Spain. The others remain in Muntinglupa.