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Alert

Socially critical film faces possible government ban

(FMM/IFEX) - The following is an FMM press release:

Letter of Fire under government fire

The Free Media Movement (FMM), established to safeguard the freedom of expression of all media, journalists and artists in Sri Lanka, is seriously concerned about the possible ban of Ashoka Handagama's film "Aksharaya" ("Letter of Fire") by the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, even though the film has been approved by the Public Performances Board. Such a ban would be tantamount to state censorship of independent filmmakers and a grave curtailment of Mr. Handagama's freedom of expression.

Independent of the possibility of the ban itself, we are equally concerned that media personnel in Sri Lanka continue to suffer from an inability to freely express their views. Art in general, and film in particular, serve to scrutinize social behaviour and norms. The imposition of a higher morality, in the form of arguments and actions that prevent any media from stimulating public debate on social norms, such as the ban contemplated by the Ministry of Culture, forces media personnel to censor their own work, deprives the public of artistic works of merit, denies people the freedom of choice, and strangles the growth of free media and filmmaking.

Mr. Handagama's film explores serious topics in a manner that pushes the boundaries of social critique and filmmaking. The film offers an unflinching look at the darker issues of humanity, exploring relationships between mother and son, husband and wife, gender and society, morality and sexuality, of those in positions of power and authority and those excluded from them.

The FMM unequivocally condemns those who seek to ban or limit the distribution of this film on charges of obscenity or child abuse. These are ridiculous allegations that FMM strongly feels are being directed against progressive forces in Sri Lankan cinema. Recalling our statement of 22.9.2005 ( available at: http://www.freemediasrilanka.org/index.php?action=con_all_full&id=19&section=news_press ), the FMM also takes this opportunity to point out that the curtailment of freedom of expression, under the guise of upholding public morality, is an attempt to strip away basic human rights from the media. It is vital that avenues for cultural production are strengthened and expanded in order to promote democracy and freedom of expression in Sri Lanka.

The FMM strongly believes that artistic interpretation is an inviolable right of all artists and media personnel. The space for social critique through film and art forms the basis for freedom of expression, which is necessary for a vibrant democracy. We strongly call upon all parties to respect the right to freedom of expression of filmmakers and media personnel in Sri Lanka.

We urge all those opposed to the public release of "Aksharaya" to cease their campaign to stifle the basic rights of media personnel, and call upon them instead to support free and progressive cinema in Sri Lanka.

Sunanda Deshapriya
Spokesperson
Free Media Movement