We have just received word that the Censor Board in Singapore has refused to approve the film for the Singapore Film Festival. They have in their words 'disallowed' it. The Festival was trying very hard to get the film approved by the censors. This small nation, where I have many friends, has a small but significant Muslim minority. In many of the descriptions of this antiseptic shopping paradise, what is often missed is that an almost fascist regime controls every aspect of life. I promise to keep you updated.
In Copenhagen, the film has been received with warmth and excitement. Muhsin commented that the nation was in many ways 'God-less'. This is true, because in Denmark, religion is often seen as a destructive and alien force. Another friend commented on this nation where 'there are no curtains'. I looked, and indeed many curtainless windows make me wonder if religion does not have even a private space? The press was overwhelming. Here are a few links.
On Danish TV, the extremely popular newsmagazine DEADLINE did an interview with me.
Muhsin and I were extensively interview and profiled on POLITIKEN with an amazing and telling photography by Miriam Dalsgaard, on DRTV's leading programme (above), on BERLINGSKE.
Also an interview with Christian Erin-Madsen from the same paper is here
And the leading newspaper, INFORMATION put Muhsin and myself on the Front Page in a feature here
Here are some comments:
Gert writes:
Dear Parvez
Congratulations with your film - what an incredible effort. Although I haven't been able to see it jet, I've followed it's presentation here in Denmark. I wish to express my deepest respect and admiration and sincerely wish you all the best for the film and the future in general - take good care of your self...
From Gert (danish, gay and christian man ;o)
Ravi writes from London
Hello Parvez,
Ravi here, we met on Sunday after the screening of the film. Anyway, I hope all's well, and again, I thought that the film was excellent. Stay in touch :-)
Ravi xx
More to come as I wade through all the emails.
Safiah writes from London:
Hi, thank you for coming to London. I thought it was a great documentary for everyone and enjoyed the discussion. I brought a friend and he cried.
Is it still showing in Malaysia as u mention in London? And whats ur blog?
Safiah
started this blog, 2007. today i am a guggenheim fellow, a much lauded filmmaker and author; creator of 3 world firsts: a jihad for love; a sinner in mecca (films) + 112,000 page book. visit parvezsharma.com but this blog is historically important; a partial on the road record; the world's first ever film on islam and homosexuality; fact = "islam trilogy" = 8 million plus eyeballs; yes, death, defying work, but re-taught me gratitude+ humility; karma backbones = dh; sd; at; hva; pa
3 comments:
Hi Parvez. I'm a blogger from Singapore and I must say I'm ashamed by the ever disgusting censor board. I was really hoping to see your critically-acclaimed work but sadly my hopes are dashed.
I'm Muslim and I am gay. There are many of us in this little island. Their decision to censor yet again proves their homophobia and immaturity.
I am so sorry.
Allahın laneti sizin ve lut kavmi gibilerinin üzerine olsun.
My sister in Kuala Lumpur were planning a trip to Singapore just to watch this film especially after I have attended the screening and discussion in London. What a shame its banned. Its really sad that people hides the truth from society, but its even worst denying it.
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