Thai film festival drops controversial Iranian film. Agree?

Question

What do u think of that?

http://thailand-daily-news.blogspot.com/2007/06/thai-film-festival-drops-controversial.html

Are you agree?

Answer 1

No, I don't agree.
But it is okay for Iran to produce, promote and air cartoons of kid jihadists strapping on suicide vests and blowing up innocent Israelis and Americans. The Iranian government is too hypocritical. Amadinajab is also pushing Iran closer to war every time he opens his mouth.

I am a firm believer in freedom of speech, or of the press. By muzzling the release of one film, it sends a statement that we shall muzzle other releases. When, how and where does a nation draw the line? Does it scrutinize every release to see if offends someone? Gee, every movie is bound to offend somebody for some reason. What about films that are based on homosexuality? What about religious films? What about films portraying slave labor? You see where I am going? Just allow the people the opportunity to decide whether or not they want to view it. For example, if people don't want to watch "The Passion of the Christ" or "Bowling for Columbine", then stay home or change the channel.

Answer 2

Weak. Especially having read the justification. If a film causes gratuitous offence, then I might at least be sympathetic, even if I'd still disagree.

But the 'problem' is that, assuming you believe the junta that rules Iran which I will allow for the sake of argument, that the film 'misrepresents' the reaction to the Islamic revolution of 1979. On that basis, Mel Gibson would never have got a movie released. Since when are movies supposed to be judged against such criteria? Who defines what truth is? And what's it matter if something isn't 'truthful'. or is biased? 'Battleship Potemkin' is pure propaganda, but it's a great movie. People demanding that movies portray their approved version of 'truth' are simple philistines, best left to watch sport all day so their limited mental faculties won't be challenged.

Thai authorities show they are not really equipped or mature enough to be a modern, democratic nation. The festival director has indulged the lies and double-speak demanded by the Iranians... he is neither an artist nor a patriotic Thai.

Answer 3

Yes, in films myth becomes truth. And when this myth-lie-illlogics tries to diessemble a conregation, thus it is wise to be excluded or eliminated for the benefit of the prevalence of truth. The cartoonist is a bait used by the western propagandist machine for various reasons. Now cartoons too should be watched carefully for their biased information to the masses.

Answer 4

It's a shame. I haven't seen the movie, but I read "Persepolis", the graphic novel it's based on, and it's a fantastic story told in a wonderful way. Shame on the Thai organizers for giving in to blackmail and censorship.