A Thousand Cuts (2020 film)

Content sourced from Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.

A Thousand Cuts is a 2020 Philippine-American documentary directed by Ramona S. Diaz. It follows Maria Ressa, the founder of the online news site Rappler, and explores press freedom in the Philippines under President Rodrigo Duterte, including the Duterte drug war and the role of social media in politics.

Release and access
- World premiere: Sundance Film Festival, January 25, 2020.
- United States: Limited theatrical release and virtual cinemas starting August 7, 2020, distributed by PBS Distribution. Frontline aired the film on January 8, 2021.
- Philippines: Frontline acquired distribution rights; the documentary was also released for Philippine viewers on YouTube (June 12, 2020).

Synopsis
The film centers on press freedom in the Philippines and follows Maria Ressa and Rappler as they investigate and report on extrajudicial killings, corruption, and abuses during Duterte’s drug war. It also highlights the risks faced by journalists and features Rappler staff as they cover politics and elections.

Reception
- Critical response was positive. Rotten Tomatoes: 100% approval (40 reviews). Metacritic: 81/100 (8 critics).

Awards
- Doc Edge (New Zealand): Best International Feature (2020)
- Montclair Film Festival: David Carr Award (2020)
- Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival: Global Impact Award (2020)
- Gotham Awards: Best Documentary (2021)
- Cinema Eye Honors: Unforgettables (2021)
- Ani ng Dangal (Philippines): awarded (2023)
- Peabody Award (PBS Frontline) (2022)
- News & Documentary Emmy Award: Outstanding Social Issue Documentary (2022)
- RFK Journalism Award (International TV) (2022)