The film follows Lyra, who works shifts at a shadowy online content moderation office where employees, known as deleters, are tasked with the process of filtering graphic uploads from reaching social media platforms. The responsibility of censorship proves bearable for Lyra, whom her co-workers, as well as her boss Simon, observe as a cold person unfazed by the disturbing imagery she sees on a daily basis. What they do not know is that Lyra hides a deep trauma. Lyra’s attempt to erase and forget her past has forced her to maintain an apathetic face to the horrors of the world.[4][5]
Deleter was reported to be the first collaboration between Mikhail Red and Viva Films.[9] Red worked on the Philippines' reputation being the "content moderation capital of the world" as well as the mental health and working conditions of content moderators for the story of Deleter.[10]
Filming
Filming began in July 2022[2] amidst the COVID-19 pandemic and hence the usual COVID-19 protocols was observed.[9] Only a few filming locations was utilized to simulate a "claustrophobic environment".[9]
Release
Deleter premiered in cinemas in the Philippines on December 25, 2022 as one of the eight entries of the 2022 Metro Manila Film Festival.[11] However the film was not originally intended made specifically for the film festival.[2]
The film was also released internationally. It premiered in the United States on January 6, 2023 and is set to be released in the United Arab Emirates on January 12, 2023.[12][13]
Accolades
Name of the award ceremony, year presented, category, nominee of the award, and the result of the nomination
According to unofficial figures obtained by PEP.ph, Deleter has reportedly earned ₱10 million on the first day of the 2022 Metro Manila Film Festival, becoming the film with the second biggest opening for any entries that day.[24] Three days after its released, the film has grossed more than ₱58 million.[25] By the end of the year, Ogie Diaz, a showbiz columnist and talent manager reported that Deleter earned ₱126 million making it the top grossing film among the entries.[26] On January 8, 2023, the film maintained its top spot after already grossing ₱234 million.[27] The following day, this figure rose to ₱270 million.[2]