Food Delivery: Fresh from the West Philippine Sea – A Gripping Expedition Through Resupply Routes in the China Standoff.
Director Baby Ruth Villarama and her team board a diverse assortment of maritime vessels to chronicle the continuing conflict and its consequences between the Philippine nation and China over control of the newly designated West Philippine Sea. This vast area, considered by the international community apart from China as part of the Philippines' EEZ, has seen increasing infiltration by boats from China. While some are fishing boats, the majority consist of China's coast guard vessels that have been accused of harassing, intentionally hit, and tried to seize Filipino boats amid the broader sovereignty dispute.
Some footage are incredibly gripping, yet mostly the conflict takes the form of a diplomatic dance of naval posturing. Crews aboard opposing vessels exchange heated radio transmissions, laden with diplomatic language, practicing a unique radio diplomacy.
Sustaining the Outposts
The film's title references the ongoing mission by the Armed Forces of the Philippines to transport essentials to tiny outposts in the West Philippine Sea where personnel are stationed for extended, lonely tours. These "islands" are often just small accumulations of sand in the shallows, no larger than a sports field, approachable just with fast-moving motorized rafts.
The journeys are evidently terrifying for the livestock being transported, which are crammed in with tinned food and additional provisions. Footage captures the creatures seeking for secure footing as the vessels zoom across the open water.
Impact on Livelihoods
In another segment fishers living around the more populated Scarborough Shoal, who lament over dwindling catches attributed to the ongoing activity of trawlers from China in their customary waters.
A Compelling Subject, Imperfect Execution
In terms of filmmaking, the documentary is somewhat hampered by a slightly disjointed storytelling structure and a soundtrack that can feel a bit heavy-handed, overemphasizing the tense scenes. Yet, it is ultimately a important look of a critical subject that receives little discussion outside its region.
