Terengganu Bans Pulau Screening Producer Worries Of Snowball Effect

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Terengganu has banned the screening of the horror film “Pulau” in the state and its producer is worried about more states following suit.
"The reason given (for the ban) was the film contains extreme scenes, but the thing is, none has watched it completely," Harian Metro quoted Fred Chong as saying in a virtual press conference yesterday.
According to Chong, he was notified by the National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (Finas) yesterday that the Terengganu state government has prohibited the film from being shown on three TGV cinema screens in Kemaman, from March 9.
"I don't know which other states will follow suit. I think this (the ban) is a dangerous step, as the three screens could become 30 or 60 screens. To me, this shouldn't happen," he lamented.
Chong added that he has written a letter of appeal, urging the Terengganu state government to review the ban.
"If they agree, I’m willing to go there next Monday with representatives from TGV and Finas to conduct a private screening."
'Watch it before judging'
Chong further revealed that sponsors have pulled out funding worth RM500,000 for the project - after the controversy the film's trailer spawned last month.
"My previous films also involved huge marketing campaigns - from banners to red-carpet events.
"Pulau cost us RM4 million to make and we put in a lot of work, but following the controversy, we are left with no money to even promote the film's OST (original soundtrack) with local radio stations,” he mentioned.
With such hullabaloo, his intention to take the local film industry to the "next level" has been spoiled, rued Chong.
"To the netizens who attacked the movie and boycott it, I plead to you - please watch it before judging."
Prior to the Terengganu ban, ‘Pulau’ was set to be screened in 75 cinemas nationwide.
The horror thriller film caused a stir on social media after the trailer raised eyebrows.
Directed by Euho, the film's cast include Aliff Satar, Amelia Henderson, Ikmal Amry, Joey Leong, Harris Annuar, Evie Feroza, Siew Pui Yi (popularly known as Ms Puiyi), Namron, Mark O’Dea and Sabronzo Dolla.
Earlier, Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil said the trailer of the horror film “Pulau” is not suitable for viewing.
https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/652132 (not suitable)
The Film Censorship Board (LPF) also clarified that the movie was of the horror genre and not porn as some had alleged. - Mkini

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