Artistes and FDC take a stance against obscene films
Will this be enough to save the film industry?
Ershad Kamol
The main criticism Dhaliwood-centric Bangla cinema faces today is that it is becoming increasingly vulgar and graphic. For the last few years, renowned actors and directors of the mainstream film industry have been taking initiatives such as human chain and processions to mobilise a movement against the ongoing obscenity and violence in Dhaliwood films. However these steps have not been fruitful. It should be mentioned that according to a notification by the Ministry of Information in 1985, only a few films were censored or completely banned by Film Censor Board (FCB) for portraying obscenity, crime, plagiarism etc. Its effectiveness comes into question with the rampant screening of obscene films in theatres across the country, especially in district towns. Recently, Bangladesh Film Development Corporation, better known as FDC, has taken another step to keep the ongoing trend of obscenity and violence in check. As part of their current initiative, the Managing Director of FDC, A.N.M Badrul Amin had a meeting with several artistes at his office. "Besides the social commitment, finances are also at stake here. When FCB bans a movie we have to face huge loss. Producers of the banned films do not pay us the services charges including reel, development, camera and editing costs, among others," said Amin. FCB provided a list of artistes to be called at the FDC meeting. According to Amin: "We invited popular actors and warned them that if they are seen in vulgar or overly graphic movies, they would not be allowed in FDC. Moreover, we requested them to inform us if they are forced to perform in such scenes by the directors. We will have meetings with directors and producers soon." Amin also said that even FDC officials have been strictly briefed to inform the management if "questionable" scenes are shot at the FDC studios. However concerned individuals do not believe that such steps taken by FDC are enough to control obscenity and other questionable elements in mainstream cinema. According to sources several producers and directors add 'cut pieces' after getting the green light from FCB, just to make some quick bucks. Sources also claim that the cut pieces -- full of obscenity -- are made at two other studios and private shooting spots, besides FDC. Hence it is really difficult to believe that only FDC can control cinema portraying horrific violence and obscene contents. Actor SM Aslam Manna (who goes by 'Manna'), the current general secretary of Bangladesh Chalachchitra Shilpi Shomity, said, "Popular actors and directors are always against such issues. We appreciate the initiative taken by FDC. But, it is not the only studio in the country. So, it's not possible to control obscenity and violence through these initiatives alone. However, we do believe the culprits -- corrupt producers, directors and actors -- should be punished. Our observation suggests that stay orders can be obtained from lower courts, which allow screenings of uncensored films for at least a period of time before further action is taken against them. Sometimes, stay orders are obtained before the release of films. Which is why the amendment of Film Censor Act 2006 is not effective, though the act has provisions to punish for projection of films, display of posters and advertisements without certificates, starting from three months to a maximum of three years imprisonment and a fine of BDT 10,000. We want that the law enforcement agencies to ensure the proper implementation of laws regarding films." Manna's views are shared by many, as most cine-goers would appreciate wholesome, entertaining movies.
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A.N.M Badrul Amin (left) & Manna (right). PHOTO: STAR |
