Myanmar film industry object to allegations of 'inappropriate scenes'

Myanmar film industry object to allegations of 'inappropriate scenes'

Published on Wednesday, 14 August 2013 23:51

Director Win Tun Tun speaking at the meeting of Myanmar Motion Picture Organisation on August 12 (Photo - Lin Lin Khine/EMG)

Myanmar Motion Picture Organisation (MMPO) and film artists have objected to a notification letter sent by the Public Service Capacity Assessment Team that claims that most local films and videos contain 'inappropriate scenes'.

The Public Service Capacity Assessment Team said the letter was sent under the instruction of the President Office based on research the team conducted with audiences via phone and email between July 12 to 15.

"Who are this team? Which survey did they use in deciding that most films and videos have inappropriate scenes? As they have said most films, does it mean 50 per cent out of over 1,000 films have these scenes? We'll reply the objection from MMPO and artists against this accusation as soon as possible," said MMPO's chair Lu Min in a meeting with film directors, actors, and scriptwriters at their offices in Yangon on Tuesday.

Film director Mee Pwar said he wants the authorities to point out the details rather than indiscriminately blaming the whole industry.

"I don't accept the President Office meddling in everywhere. Please compare with our neighbouring countries like Singapore and China," said Mee Pwar.

Director Win Tun Tun also said that the censor issue came out after the release of his video 'Myat Lone Lay Kalae Kalae' which has been criticised for its kissing scenes.

"The video clips that teenagers have in their mobile phones are not from our films and videos. It's a [sex] video from a university. Who is responsible for this? Myanmar girls are drinking beers not because they watch Myanmar films and video. If they are going to attack artistic freedom, we'll have to stand up to them," said Win Tun Tun.

Directors and film artists were quick to point out that foreign films and pornographic content freely available on the internet was far more contentious and that the censors would do best to start banning all "indecent" scenes on foreign and local satellite channels first.

"It's an insult to the film industry that they are attacking the film industry instead of banning porn websites. If the team accepted reports from phone calls and emails, I want to know whether they will depose the censorship board if they receive complaints about the board. We have to take responsibility for our creations.  If they are going to restrict this and take a U-turn without allowing us artistic freedom, we'll have to protest against them," said film director Wine.

The censorship board has previously imposed restrictions on local films and videos, including ban on short skirts, tight pants, dyed hairs, cursing, and tattoos.

Source: http://www.news.myanmaronlinecentre.com/2013/08/15/myanmar-film-industry-object-to-allegations-of-inappropriate-scenes/