Filming Biblical Interpretations from the Ground: Anti-Empire Matthean Interpretations in Huwag Kang Papatay (2017) and the Philippine “Drug War”

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

An outstanding essay! The author offers the most original and insightful biblical reflections on the highly popular documentary, "Huwag Kang Papatay,"  that critiques the frequent occurrences of extra-judicial killings in the recent “war on drugs” in the Philippines. This biblical critical analysis is timely and relevant, showing us a new methodological direction to engage with a society in crisis and point out what has gone wrong in the existing ruling structure in the Philippines.  I support the publication of this article.  

 

Author Response

Dear reviewer,

Thank you for your time and expertise in reviewing quickly and accepting for publication my article entitled Filming Biblical Interpretations from the Ground: Anti-Empire Matthean Interpretations in Huwag Kang Papatay (2017) and the Philippine “Drug War” as part of the Religions’ Special Issue, Celluloid Jesus—Beyond the Text-Centric Paradigm.  I appreciate your comments on my work without further editing needed. I look forward to the publication of the essay.

Sincerely,

The author

Reviewer 2 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

This article effectively analyzes Huwag Kang Papatay, a 2017 documentary film about the so-called "War on Drugs" in the Philippines launched by then-president Rodrigo Duterte which was characterized by numerous extra-judicial killings.

It argues that the film uses Biblical references to critique Duterte's policies and practices and the article gives meticulous detail into the film's techniques.

It illuminates both the extra-judicial killings as well as the film, which is available on YouTube in Filipino language with English subtitles.  Both topics are worth disseminating to a wider audience.

The article examines the film as an example of a documentary film and relies heavily on Ortner's Screening Social Justice.

It points out to readers the available formats, funding of the film, production circumstances, as well as the "plot," recounted minute-by-minute, "characters," use of visual and sound elements, and the film's reception.

The thorough description is followed by a fascinating analysis of the film through the Gospel of Matthew as an anti-empire scripture.

The article then looks at sections of the film that utilize street theater and rap music that connect to the Lord's Passion.

Overall, the article covers a vitally important topic and deploys a fascinating discussion of the film through a scriptural lens.

I hope that this study will become part of a larger investigation into the so-called Drug War in the Philippines with Huwag Kang Papatay serving as one example of how victims and their families have sought to expose the injustices and illegality of this policy.

It is an exceptional work and deserves to be published as soon as possible!

Comments on the Quality of English Language

A quick copy edit by the editors can resolve any minor errors

Author Response

Dear reviewer,

Thank you for your time and expertise in reviewing quickly and accepting for publication my article entitled Filming Biblical Interpretations from the Ground: Anti-Empire Matthean Interpretations in Huwag Kang Papatay (2017) and the Philippine “Drug War” as part of the Religions’ Special Issue, Celluloid Jesus—Beyond the Text-Centric Paradigm.  I appreciate your comments on my work, with no changes required, and the remark that the English language only needs “A quick copy edit by the editors can resolve any minor errors”.

I am grateful for your final comment: “It is an exceptional work and deserves to be published as soon as possible!”

I look forward to the publication of the essay.

Sincerely,

The author