LOCAL flick “Pulau” is a horror movie and not a pornographic film as claimed by certain quarters on social media, said the Film Censorship Board (LPF).
In a statement today, the board said there are differences between the trailer shared on social media and the content that was submitted for censorship.
“Pulau”, which is expected to hit cinemas on March 9, has been widely condemned by numerous parties who criticised the trailer for containing too much “nudity” and was close to “soft porn”.
Among the critics was former deputy religious affairs minister Datuk Ahmad Marzuk Shaary, who claimed that the supernatural thriller “contains scenes that are obscene and excessive” and urged LPF to cancel the approval given for the screening of the movie.
LPF clarified that under the Film Censorship Act 2002, it is tasked with the censorship of films and publicity materials that are distributed to the public, except through the internet.
“The trailer of ‘Pulau’ was shown online, so the content falls outside LPF’s jurisdiction,” it said.
Yesterday, communications and digital minister Fahmi Fadzil said he believed the trailer for the film was not suitable for viewing.
However, he said he could not speak for the LPF, which comes under the purview of the home ministry.
On Tuesday, it was reported that the Malaysian National Film Development Corporation (FINAS) was not responsible for approving the screening of the horror film, which sparked controversy because it allegedly contained steamy scenes.
Its CEO, Prof Dr Md Nasir Ibrahim, was reported to have said the publication content guidelines were under the jurisdiction of LPF.
The movie, produced by My Way Pictures in collaboration with Film Force Studios, boasted a few local big names including Alif Satar, Amelia Henderson, Sanjna Suri as well as glamour model-turned-DJ Ms PuiYi.
The film trailer follows a group of friends who are vacationing together and after a daring bet, the group sets out to a mysterious island where darkness awaits. – Jan 19, 2023
Main pic credit: Instagram/PulauMovie
