GEORGE TOWN: The public screening of a gay film that was expected to take place in Penang tomorrow evening, has been cancelled.
The Vietnamese movie, titled ‘Lost in Paradise’, released back in 2011 and directed by Vu Ngoc Dang, portrays a homosexual relationship between two of its main characters.
The free screening was originally scheduled for 8pm at the Performing Arts Centre of Penang (PenangPAC) in Tanjong Tokong. It was open to adults only.
PenangPAC, via a Facebook posting, had shared an image of the film poster, coupled with the words ‘This month of World’s Best Movies, we present you (sic) a first Vietnamese gay film.’
The post has since been removed.
The organisers told the New Straits Times that a different movie will be screened instead.
“Due to unforeseen circumstances, the film that was scheduled for viewing has now been replaced.
“Our management said the movie is unsuitable for screening due to its sensitive subject. So we decided to replace it,” said a PenangPAC spokesman.
Meanwhile, Jaringan Muslimin Pulau Pinang (JMPP) chairman Hafiz Nordin said the organiser should have been more careful in selecting the movie genre.
“If they really are Malaysians, they should know that such movies should not be screened for the public even if it is done at their premises. This can be construed by some as a way of promoting homosexuality in our country,” he said.