Just when we thought things were looking up for the local film industry, the Media Development Authority (MDA) announced its decision to ban Tan Pin Pin’s new documentary, To Singapore with Love, about political dissidents living away from Singapore in self-exile. This makes the more recent axing of a lesbian kissing scene on popular British TV Series Dr Who in order to comply with MDA broadcasting guidelines seem like a cute little kerfuffle.
According to the MDA, the film’s contents “undermined national security” (now where have we heard that before), with interview subjects giving “distorted” and “untruthful” accounts of their exile from Singapore.
Singapore’s filmmakers’ and arts community issued a collective statement opposing at the ban and asked the MDA to issue the government side’s of the story rather than squelch any opportunity for historical discussion.
Sad news, but considering how a ban skyrockets a film’s popularity (take Royston Tan’s 15 for example), we predict you haven’t heard the last of this film quite yet. Tan Pin Pin has said she will resubmit the film for rating.
