Weerasethakul, Apichatpong

Free Thai Cinema Movement Petition
Statement by Apichatpong Weerasethakul
*with Bioscope, the Thai Film Foundation, Thai Film Director’s
Association, and Alliances.*

I am saddened by what has happened to my film. However, this is not the
venue to try to make SYNDROMES AND A CENTURY shown in Thai theaters. It
is not my intention to use this opportunity to promote my work.
But, it is time to seriously think about what is going on with our
censorship laws, so that the next generation of filmmakers will not face
the same problems as us, and so that the Thai audiences can truly
achieve a freedom of choice.

It is time we discuss whether all films, before being released, should
be seen by the Buddhist council, doctors council, teachers council,
labor council, the army, pet lovers group, taxi union, representatives
from other foreign countries etc? Or, is it easier to turn our nation
into a Fascist state so that we can live in harmony and don’t have to
waste time talking about democracy?

The system of the Thai Board of Censors needs to be evaluated. Their
members’ relevancy and efficiency needs to be questioned, and we should
decide whether the laws should be changed.

I would like to ask you to reflect on the censorship practices in our
country and to provide us with advice at

http://www.petitiononline.com/nocut/petition.html

Later on, this Petition will be submitted to the Thai government. Your
support will be a great contribution to our fight for one of our most
basic rights – that of freedom.

I am grateful for your time and your participation. Thank you very much.