MANILA, Philippines — Internationally-recognized Filipino writer-director Adolf Alix, Jr.  cries foul over the X-rating that the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) slapped on his latest opus, “Chassis.”

Known for his other works that include “Aurora,” “Donsol,” “Kadin,” “Batanes” and “Tambolista,” Alix said  the MTRCB’s decision stemmed from a scene showing lead actress Jodi Sta. Maria simulate the cutting of the penis of co-actor Paolo Rivero.
 
"The reviewers want to remove and just 'establish' the ending but I think it is very vital for the character of Jodi," he said in a interview with PEP.
 
"I will stand by showing it in its integral version because if the scene is taken in context, it was not shot to arouse prurient interest but rather as an act of revenge by the poor woman who was victimized," he added.
 
Alix asks the board to reconsider its judgment.
 
“Nakakalungkot na sa ibang bansa ay naipapalabas natin ito nang buo. Pero sa ating sariling audience ay hindi,” he said.
 
This is not the first time Alix tangled with the MTRCB over scenes in his film.  In 2009, “Aurora” received a double X-rating after Alix refused to delete a simulated rape scene involving lead actress Rosanna Roces and actor Kristoffer King.
 
 “Chassis” is about a single mother’s struggles amid the hardship of raising her child in an abandoned container van.  It was among a handful of local films hailed in international film festivals including the Pusan International Film Festival, the Vancouver International Film Festival and the Mar del Plata International Film Festival in Argentina.
 
“Chassis” is set to be shown at the 40th Rotterdam Film Festival in The Netherlands on Jan. 26.  It is also scheduled to be screened at the Goteborg Film Festival in Sweden and at the FICCO Mexico International Film Festival.
 
"Chassis" premiered in the Philippines at the UP Film Center in November 2010.