With ‘Pulau’ Malaysian movie makers show different route to ‘island’

 

Ibrahim M Ahmad

Hidden in Thursday’s media release issued by the Film Censorship Board (LPF) on the upcoming local movie “Pulau” is a stark truth which many may have missed.

“Pulau” (which means “island”) is scheduled for screening at local cinemas beginning March 9. A horror flick, it is meant to shock its audience into bouts of fear and screaming.

A teaser trailer of the movie released at the beginning of this week, however, elicited a different kind of shock and screaming from sanctimonious Malaysians.

Alarmed at the sight of ladies in bikinis and kissing scenes, netizens complained that the movie contained “too much nudity” and was bordering on “soft porn”. Others said it was “not public-friendly” and “not culture-friendly”.

Preacher PU Syed called for it to be banned if it “brought no benefit to society, especially Muslims.” “Quickly,” he added. “Ramadan is nearing.”

Communications and digital minister Fahmi Fadzil joined in to offer his opinion, declaring it “unsuitable for viewing” and calling on LPF and the National Film Development Corporation (Finas) to review and tighten their standard operating procedures (SOPs).

Fahmi’s comments were particularly interesting because he is the minister in charge of the internet. Ironically, Malaysia’s multimedia super corridor endeavour once guaranteed the internet would remain free of censorship.

Stung by the backlash, some of those involved in the production of the movie reminded its detractors that they could simply choose not to watch it.

LPF duly “took notice” of “public concern”. In its media statement it said:

“The trailer for the film ‘Pulau’ was shown online (over the internet platform) and was, therefore, outside LPF’s jurisdiction.

“The movie ‘Pulau’ is a horror movie and not a porn movie as suggested. LPF found that there were differences between the content of the trailer shared on social media and the content presented for censorship.”

The man-in-the-street may miss the point, but movie industry players surely understand what is going on.

Malaysia’s strict film censorship laws have hampered creativity in the industry for decades.

The “green wave” now sweeping through the country was built up over several decades by politicians using religion as a tool to control the masses.

Faced with what they have long been told are “unacceptable” images, the public – just as in the Pulau Besar controversy barely two weeks ago – now refuses, or does not know how, to lower its gaze.

Movie makers know there is no point trying to get the authorities to apply common sense, but they now have a different route to the ‘island’.

In the digital age, they have a workaround solution. Produce two versions of the movie. Sanitise one by editing out all the “objectionable” parts to get it past the censorship board. Distribute that for screening in empty cinema halls across the country.

The second, uncut version can be distributed via digital streaming, bypassing censorship rules and “analog” (read “outdated”) ministerial policies.

Still able to drum up all the necessary noises in public, sanctimonious members of our Malaysian society and their leaders can now themselves enjoy the titillating uncut version of the movie privately on their personal devices.

In the end, everybody wins! - FMT

Ibrahim M Ahmad is an FMT reader.

The views expressed are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of MMKtT.