Creativity cannot be legislated

Thanks in part to the groundwork laid during last year's "Fan Chan" phenomenon, Thailand's film industry is now riding a wave of momentum with "Hom Rong" (The Overture), which has received attention from both the public and the government. The prime minister went for a special screening recently, while diplomats saw it at the arrangement of the Foreign Affairs Ministry.

This is a very positive sign indeed for Thai film, which has long been overlooked by the country's policy-makers. However, promoting the local industry is a rather complicated issue, requiring more than the PM showing up for a movie screening. In fact, industry people and film buffs alike have been enthusiastically waiting for the government to replace the outdated laws that govern the industry with new ones that keep up with international standards.

Their demand is a simple one: They want the government to introduce a movie rating system and to revamp censorship standards. An effort was made over a decade ago, but there are still no signs of an approving nod from the policy-makers.

Why is a rating system so important, the government may ask. From the perspective of policy-makers, a rating system will improve two factors. The government can provide better protection to youngsters who may not be ready for some movie content. But more importantly, the rating system will allow filmmakers to enjoy the full rights and freedom to create, without concern over possible dangers to the young and society as a whole.

As for filmgoers, the rating system will provide them with greater freedom to enjoy the real art of filmmaking and at the same time more choice in terms of stories. The government may not consider film to be art, but for filmmakers and film lovers, one blurred sequence or a cut scene is like vandalising a piece of art.

Leading Thai director Nonzee Nimibutr expressed his bitterness about the effects of outdated legislation when his controversial film "Jan Dara" was subject to censorship. Although he could show his director's cut outside the country, he had no choice but to have a "mild" version with less explicit sex scenes for local audiences. Like his filmmaking friends, Nonzee hopes only to have local film buffs enjoy his work in full. "After all, I make films for Thai audiences, not international ones," he said.

Sadly, Thailand's famed film producer Duangkamol Limcharoen died without seeing the local film industry enjoy freedom of expression. Her very last words to the press showed that she had little hope that the government would support her craft. "I only hope they won't obstruct our industry if they won't support us."

Gone are days when Thai films are for Thai people alone. Our films now travel around the world, receiving attention from both festivals and distributors. But under the existing system of restrictions concerning content, we have to struggle hard to compete with filmmakers from "free" countries.

Duangkamol was a pioneer in marketing Thai films abroad, as well as managing the Asian filmmaker's alliance to produce bigger film projects. She had a vision and therefore a great concern regarding Thailand's outdated legislation.

Movie industry people who travel from one film festival to another realise how unfortunate they are when compared to their counterparts in countries where the government seriously promotes film as art. Yet local filmmakers don't dare to hope to enjoy the advantages of France or South Korea, where the industry is not only completely free to create cinematic art, but also receives generous assistance.

Now that Thaksin has seen "Hom Rong", which highlights the intriguing issues of art, liberty and state control, we hope he at least understands the film's most important message: Nobody, least of all the government, can say what is good art or how it should evolve. All artists need is freedom, just like we humans need air, and the rest will take care of itself.

Published on Mar 13, 2004