The Magnificent Seven
Here are the seven films that the Australian government has banned from the Melbourne Underground Film Festival:
70k
Schulmädchen-Report: Was Eltern nicht für möglich halten (aka The Schoolgirl Report)
Sex Wish
The Farmer’s Daughter
Ashley & Kisha: Finding the Right Fit
Whore
60 Second Relief
Think about this for a moment.
We’re not talking about the government of Iran or Saudi Arabia dictating what films a festival can and can’t show.
We’re not talking about self-appointed morality police picketing, protesting and lobbying.
We’re talking about the Australian government, in 2007, dictating what can and cannot be screened in a film festival.
Sons and daughters of Gallipoli, is this what you want?
September 21st, 2007 at 8:15 am
I don’t watch TV too much these days - but if I remember correctly they used to be showing one of the several Schulmädchen-Report movies every other weekend on German mainstream television…
September 22nd, 2007 at 8:32 am
David,
There can be no mistaking the message that is being sent. The banning of these seven films from the 2007 Melbourne Underground Film Festival is nothing more than a brute display of power, thuggish and calculating. It serves no legitimate purpose in maintaining civil order, and is wildly disconnected with the wishes of the vast majority of Australian people. Indeed, its only purpose to bring the festival to heel and serve as a warning to those who would dare defy the state.
September 22nd, 2007 at 5:48 pm
Tony,
sadly you are right, the bureaucrats have axes to grind.
Rups