A scene from the controversial documentary “Food Delivery: Fresh from the West Philippine Sea” (Photos from Voyage Studios YouTube)

What was supposed to be a low-key second screening of “Food Delivery: Fresh from the West Philippine Sea” in New Zealand turned controversial when the Chinese consulate tried to discredit the film.

Filipino filmmaker Baby Ruth Villarama confirmed that during the recent Doc Edge Festival 2025—where the documentary had its world premiere—festival organizers were approached by Chinese officials. “This was to say our film was full of misinformation,” Villarama told Inquirer Entertainment before a special screening at Power Plant Mall in Makati recently.

“They claimed the West Philippine Sea (WPS) doesn’t exist and that we’re the violators of their nine-dash rule. It was a telling moment—we realized the truth is being weaponized against us,” she said.

But Doc Edge stood firm. “They told us, ‘You have nothing to worry about,’” Villarama said. “Two of their parliament members even flew to Wellington just to watch the film and said they want to organize a screening inside parliament.”

It felt like a “silent vindication,” said Villarama, especially after the film was pulled from the 2025 Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival in March due to “external pressure.”

At Doc Edge, “Food Delivery” won the Tides of Change Award, which honors stories connected to water—literal or symbolic—that shape communities, cultures, and conflicts. The documentary stood out for its depiction of Filipino soldiers and fishermen navigating challenges in the WPS.

The film follows real-life missions by Navy and Coast Guard personnel delivering food to troops stationed on contested islands in the WPS. These soldiers often go months without proper supplies.

Scenes from the documentary “Food Delivery: Fresh from the West Philippine Sea” (Photos from Voyage Studios YouTube)

“Dinadalan na lang sila ng pagkain doon. But even that is becoming difficult,” Villarama said.

Despite its focus on human stories, the documentary’s political weight has clearly unsettled some. In the Philippines, Villarama says it’s been difficult to secure more venues, despite a PG rating from the MTRCB and strong demand.

“Only one cinema has agreed to show it so far. More than a thousand people are asking for it, but other cinemas are still cautious,” she said. “It’s sad that even in our own country, it’s difficult to show a Filipino story.”

For Villarama, telling this story wasn’t a choice but a responsibility. She joined the RORE (rotation and reprovisioning) missions herself, alongside soldiers, coast guard members, and local fishermen during a 60-day shoot. The team was tailed by drones and monitored by Chinese ships.

“At one point, I thought of the children of these soldiers. Some didn’t even know their fathers had left. The dads would sneak out at night. We don’t even know if they’ll return,” she said.

Asked what kept her going, she answered: “We’re Filipinos. We know People Power. We know peaceful revolution like no one else. We can do this using arts and culture.”

She stressed the film isn’t anti-China. “It’s not meant to provoke. It’s an invitation to dialogue,” she said. “If we just look past the politics and focus on the people, we’ll see what’s really at stake.”

The film continues its international festival run, with more invites reportedly in the works. The team is also in talks with streaming platforms. “I just want people to be proud they’re Filipino,” Villarama said. “Forget the film—it’s just a vehicle. I want us to appreciate what we have, before it’s gone.”

The screening in New Zealand on July 27—just a day before the Philippine President’s State of the Nation Address—was intentionally symbolic. “I just wanted a simultaneous screening,” Villarama said. “But I also hope the President addresses the West Philippine Sea. Our fishermen are here. They want to be heard.”

Sen. Bam Aquino is one of the guests of honor during the special screening (Photo by Marinel Cruz)

The Manila screening was attended by foreign diplomats, Sen. Bam Aquino, Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro, Nobel Peace Prize-winning journalist Maria Ressa, representatives from the Philippine Coast Guard, Navy and Armed Forces, as well as featured fishermen Arnel Satam and Osman Pumicpic, along with their families.

“Food Delivery,” produced by Voyage Studios, will be screened at Power Plant Mall starting August 1, with a weeklong run. INQ