China asked New Zealand film festival not to screen West PH Sea documentary

A recent development from New Zealand's film circuit has put the spotlight on geopolitical tensions. The Doc Edge Festival confirmed on Saturday, July 5, that it received a formal request from the Consulate-General of the People’s Republic of China in Auckland asking them to remove the documentary "Food Delivery: Fresh from the West Philippine Sea" from their lineup.

The Chinese consulate's request cited claims that the film was "rife with disinformation and false propaganda" and served as "a political tool for the Philippines." They urged the festival not to screen the film, referencing "public accountability and China–New Zealand relations," particularly in light of New Zealand Prime Minister Luxon’s recent visit to China.

However, the Doc Edge Festival ultimately rejected China's appeal. In a statement, the organizers emphasized their commitment to their core principles, upholding the festival's "independence and curatorial freedom." They added that they were sharing the Chinese Consulate-General's perspective for the sake of transparency and fairness, encouraging viewers to seek out information and engage in dialogue.

This decision follows the documentary's recent success at the very same festival, where it won the Tides of Change award on Thursday, July 3. Interestingly, the Doc Edge Festival had previously promoted the film by calling it "a banned film that must be seen." Domestically, the film faced a different fate earlier this year, being pulled from the Puregold Cinepanalo 2025 film festival just two days before its scheduled opening.

Directed by Baby Ruth Villarama, "Food Delivery: Fresh from the West Philippine Sea" documents the experiences of Filipino fisherfolk, alongside Philippine Coast Guard and Navy personnel, as they undertake the vital task of delivering food and aid to communities amidst the ongoing tensions in the contested waters.

Adding to the context, a spokesperson for New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade responded to inquiries by stating unequivocally that the "New Zealand Government fully supports freedom of expression." While New Zealand maintains a neutral stance on individual territorial claims in the South China Sea, the ministry stressed their position that disputes should be resolved peacefully through diplomacy and in adherence to international law, particularly the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, a position they consistently convey to China.

New Zealand has been a consistent supporter of the Philippines in raising concerns about China's actions in the West Philippine Sea. This stance was further underscored in late April 2025 with the signing of a Status of Visiting Forces Agreement (SOVFA) between Manila and Wellington, designed to facilitate military cooperation through easier access for exercises and other defense activities.