The Pacific Freedom Forum is concerned over the banning of gay themed movie Milk in Samoa, a move it describes as "unhealthy" and in effect "will only fuel curiosity" about the film. Banned in Samoa: Sean Penn in 'Milk' Samoa's film censors declined to approve the film for DVD release, according to the NZ Herald last week. They did not given a reason for the decision. Samoa is the only nation worldwide where censors have specifically banned the multi-academy award winning film, which means film fans there will only see the pirated version or overseas-purchased copies smuggled into the country. "While we respect the need for censors to rule in the public interest, we say the personal bias of censors should not be allowed to overtake a ruling in that interest," says Pacific Freedom Forum chair Susuve Laumaea of Papua New Guinea. Laumaea believes the authority of censorship should not be taken lightly, as is entails trust from the general public that decisions will be fair. "Not only are Samoans being deprived of the experience of seeing a performance regarded as outstanding, by any standards, they are mystified, and rightly suspicious, about why the Samoa Censor Board has banned Milk, and this will only fuel their curiosity to see what the censorship fuss is all about," he said in a statement. "The Pacific Freedom Forum calls on the Samoan film censors to fully and transparently explain themselves to the Samoan people, and re-consider its decision on banning Milk. Pacific Freedom Forum co-chair Monica Miller of American Samoa agrees. "It is critical that the censorship board account clearly for their wish to protect the people of Samoa from viewing this film, when other films depicting violence, sometimes graphic violence, are readily available in Samoan outlets," she says. "Given the acclaim this film has received worldwide, and given the silence on exactly why it has been banned in Samoa, observers are left to wonder at the censorship standards being applied in a country where fa'afafine have a well established and respected role," she concludes. Formed last year, Pacific Freedom Forum is an online network of media professionals from all over the Pacific and beyond, which actively monitors and advocates for freedom of expression and information in the Pacific Islands.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News Staff
First published: Thursday, 23rd April 2009 - 1:52pm