Only restrict content to protect minors, let viewers choose - filmmakers

 

Filmmakers have argued that censorship of content should not be done to protect the interest of dominant groups in society.

Freedom Film Network director Anna Har (above) contended that, instead, censorship should only be done in the interest of minors.

“(On) the issue of policing morality and content in Malaysia - censorship or state control must only be to protect minors.

“(It) must take into account that there are different types of Malaysians and it's important to respect and protect everyone's needs and interests and not just the dominant or loudest, and (the) best way to do it is by classification.

“This puts responsibility and choice on audiences and not religious authorities or politicians which have vested interest,” she told Malaysiakini.

This comes after today's revelation that scandal-hit drama “Perempuan Itu…” will not be appearing on screens for now, despite its intended release set for this month.

Filmmaker Amir Muhammad - who has personally experienced the censorship of his works - similarly felt that better classification for some content is the way forward.

“Self-regulation in the industry should be enough. As can be seen recently, public opinion plays a role in determining what is shown or not; and this is a process open to constant negotiation.

“I am always in favour of age-specific ratings or more exclusive access for some material instead of blanket censorship by other parties.

“At the end of the day, viewers should have the right to see or not see what they want,” said Amir.

“Perempuan Itu…” - starring actors Zul Ariffin, Mimi Lana, and Siti Hariesa - sparked public outrage over a 23-second teaser clip of the show.

The clip was a scene from the drama where Zul was seen taking off his shirt and embracing Siti.

The clip was interspersed with another scene where Siti - dressed in a maid's outfit - feeds whipped cream to Zul before he lifts her up and embraces her.

The clip was initially uploaded to Zul's social media account but can no longer be found there. This led to a probe of Zul under Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act (CMA).

Previously, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Idris Ahmad criticised the scene.

Idris, who is also PAS vice-president, described it as “overboard” and “should be reprimanded”.

Issue overblown

In response to the controversy, filmmaker Adam Zainal believes the issue has been blown out of proportion.

“I feel this whole fiasco about Zul Ariffin is unnecessary. It really shows how filtered and censored Malaysia is,” he said.

He said local filmmakers aspire to reach Hollywood standards but are vilified when they try to do so.

Actor Zul Ariffin

This was echoed by Anna, who pointed out the clip was a personal post on the actor’s personal social media account.

“Put things into perspective - that it was a personal post, on personal social media, no one got 'harmed', not perpetuating violence or harm on a specific person.

“Managing public response/complaints should be proportionate to the actual wrongdoing/action (and it) should also be according to existing laws and handled professionally by authorities that are responsible.

“An investigation and decision should be transparent,” she said.

Anna added that it is best for the nation to boost media literacy to cultivate a ‘discerning’ culture among Malaysian consumers.

“In this world of unlimited content on the internet, it's not rational or useful anymore to keep censoring and controlling content of Malaysian platforms and content in the name of protecting Malaysians, as similar content is easily available elsewhere.

“It's best to move the focus and invest in media literacy. (We) need to teach Malaysians young and old how to understand and navigate media and the internet for their own benefit, how to check and verify facts, how to use tools/filters to choose what you want and what you don't want.

“In short, how to be a discerning consumer of content,” she said. - Mkini