A post on the subreddit “Philippines – all about the Philippines” by user “angryadobo77” on April 1, claimed that the historical documentary film “The Kingmaker” was produced by so-called “Pinklawans,” a term referring to individuals and groups supporting the presidential bid of Vice-President Leni Robredo. The post further claimed that the historical documentary was produced by Robredo supporters to counter the “high survey rating” performance of Robredo’s presidential opponent, Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.

CLAIM: 

“Pinklawans” produced “The Kingmaker” documentary

RATING: 

SATIRE 

FACTS:  

“The Kingmaker” was produced and released in 2019 by US-based movie production house, Showtime, together with the film’s director, Emmy awards winner, Lauren Greenfield. No evidence can directly link Showtime Networks Inc. and Greenfield to any official of the Robredo campaign.

Greenfield even explained in an interview, that with her method of letting the film’s subject, Imelda Marcos, narrate her own story, the director thought that the movie could have ended up as a “redemption story” for the Marcoses. However, the documentary ultimately exposed the former first lady’s “unapologetic opulence” and grand design on building a political dynasty, and uncovered the behind-the-scenes role the Marcos clan played in getting Duterte elected president in 2016.

The claim on Reddit was posted in time for with “April Fool’s Day,” with many commenters noting that the post was indeed satirical. The Reddit user involved has also been known for sharing Anti-Marcos stories on their account.

WHY THIS MATTERS: 

Historical documentaries such as “The Kingmaker” concretely play a role in combatting historical revisionism and disinformation, especially on the hotly-contested Martial Law era. A study in the Journal of Media Practice explained that historical documentaries “encourage a form of historiographic practice that is more reflexive, experimental and critically aware,” especially as its contents go through a series of fact-checking and verification. While there are indeed instances when people with political agenda commission biopics and documentaries to favor their candidates, the documentary in question cannot be regarded as such.

“The Kingmaker” can be watched through Vimeo for free, where Filipino subtitles are also accessible. – Maez Estrada and Joseph Gloria

Altermidya Network is part of #FactsFirstPH which brings together various sectors that are committed to promoting truth in the public space, and exacting accountability on those who harm it with lies. For those interested to join the initiative, email info@factsfirst.ph.

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