A Thousand Cuts

A Thousand Cuts is a powerful and sobering 2020 documentary that paints a vivid picture of the state of press freedom in the Philippines under the rule of President Rodrigo R. Duterte. Directed by renowned filmmaker Ramona S. Diaz, the film stars international human rights lawyer Amal Clooney, controversial Filipino lawmaker Ronaldo "Bato" Dela Rosa, and President Rodrigo R. Duterte himself.

The title, "A Thousand Cuts," is symbolic of the multitude of pernicious hits the state of journalism has taken under Duterte's regime. The documentary takes its viewers into the heart of the ongoing political turbulence in the Philippines, drawing them into the life and work of Maria Ressa, a fearless journalist and the CEO of Rappler, a Philippine news website known for its critical coverage of Duterte's administration.

In this documentary, Amal Clooney does not play a traditional movie "role" but appears as herself, a vocal advocate for freedom of the press and one of Maria Ressa's legal counsels. Her inclusion in the film adds an international perspective, as she is a renowned figure in human rights law. Clooney's role in A Thousand Cuts speaks to the broader implications of the challenges faced by journalists, not just in the Philippines but also around the world.

Ronaldo "Bato" Dela Rosa also portrays himself in the film, as the former national police chief and presently a Senator of the Philippines, known for implementing and defending Duterte's war on drugs. His interviews in A Thousand Cuts showcase the other side of the coin, providing context to the government's perspective on the press.

Most intriguingly, the movie presents actual interviews and addresses by President Rodrigo R. Duterte. The film illustrates Duterte’s boldly controversial strategies, which include public denouncement of critical journalism and attempts to galvanize public sentiment against so-called "fake news". This comes to a head with his administration's ongoing legal battle against Maria Ressa, the Rappler's CEO.

Using interviews, news footage, and following Ressa in her journalistic pursuit, A Thousand Cuts shows the daunting dilemmas facing journalists in the Philippines. It's more than just a portrait of one journalist's bravery; it's a close-up examination of a country falling under the umbrella of authoritarian rule, with freedom of press and truth becoming casualties.

Unflinchingly, the film shows how these assaults on press freedom have dangerous rippling effects on democracy. It outlines the attempt to stifle dissent and criticism in a functioning democracy and brings out the daring elegance of those who refuse to be silenced.

A Thousand Cuts also conveys the Philippines' fraught political climate. It hints at the pervasive culture of violence and fear, empowered by a leader who publicly endorses extrajudicial killings of drug users and dealers. It exposes how unwavering loyalty towards a charismatic but divisive leader can threaten to dismantle democracies.

The film doesn't shy away from giving a human face to the struggle. Maria Ressa's courage and determination are at the heart of this narrative. Not only does the film detail the political and professional battles she fights, but it also delves into the emotional toll it takes on her and the personal resilience that this clash demands.

In essence, A Thousand Cuts is a chilling tale about the struggles of the press in a turbulent political landscape. This isn't just about the Philippines; the concerns aired in this hard-hitting documentary resonate globally. It's a film about the tenacity of truth in the face of suppression, about the courage it takes to uphold democratic ideals, and about the grim reality of a society where fear overrides facts, and bullets are louder than words.

It is a pleas for the sanctity of press freedom in a world where the truth is increasingly getting harder to tell. The documentary balances various perspectives, somberly mystical and expressively direct, informative without being heavily didactic, ultimately leaving viewers with the question of what they can do to protect democracies under attack.

While A Thousand Cuts induces despair at times, it also sparks a call to action - an urge to collectively resist a future where thousand cuts could lead to a bleeding out of democracy. Whether you're a journalist, a teacher, or a student, this is a must-watch for anyone who believes in the power of truth and the importance of protecting it at all costs.