New film censorship guidelines too vague, says filmmakers' group

 

The Malaysian Television Producers Association (PTVM) is concerned that the government’s new film censorship guidelines are too vague for local industry players to use as a reference.

Its president Jurey Latiff Rosli even described the film guidelines as being too general regarding what can and cannot be done, leaving the issue of censorship at the Film Censorship Board’s (LPF) panel’s discretion.

He said PTVM is of the view that the new classification scheme is more comprehensive with the creation of the P12, P13, and P16 categories that emphasise LPF’s new guidelines.

This shows the government takes issues involving public order, religion, and sensitive matters in the country seriously, he said.

However, due to the unclear situation, Jurey (above) is concerned that non-art industry professionals end up becoming tasked with conducting the LPF evaluations and censorship.

“In terms of creativity, for example, the visual symbols have certain interpretations, and only film people can catch and understand in the language of films,” he told Malaysiakini.

Thus, he suggested appointing industry representatives as LPF panel members to provide balance to censorship decisions.

Jurey, also a film and drama director, revealed that some of the most common problems filmmakers face emerge only after their work is completed and sent to the LPF for review.

“This aspect should be studied because as filmmakers, if possible, we don’t want our work to be cut. We also don’t want films to be withdrawn or banned after it has already been aired.

“If possible, this (can) be prevented from the start by referring to the LPF with clear guidelines,” he said.

‘Every day is money’

Earlier today, Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said the new guidelines for film censorship are hinged on three main pillars: security and public order, religion and morality, and socio-cultural factors.

Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail

He said the new guidelines supersede the previous one introduced in 2010.

Jurey added that filmmakers could appeal to the LPF if certain scenes had to be cut, but the appeal process takes too long to reach its conclusion.

“For artists, every day is money,” he said.

Jurey also suggested that the government ensure that art industry players are involved in formulating any new guidelines.

“We suggest that LPF representatives sit together with industry players. We need people from our industry who can see the subtext or ‘read’ explicit or implicit symbols in a film.

“This may help with the screening of a film,” he said. - Mkini