Thailand bans gay movie

Thailands official censor has banned the commercial release of Insects in
The Backyard, a gay-themed film directed by Tanwarin Sukkhapisit.

The film had its premiere recently at the Vancouver festival and has played
twice at the now in progress Bangkok Word festival. But the censor board
yesterday ruled: "the films content goes against public order or morality."

About a transvestite father's (Sukkhapisit) upbringing of two teenagers, the
film includes explicit scenes of masturbation and fetish sex between the
teenagers and their paying clients.

Sukkhapisit told a local newspaper that she will appeal the ruling, but is
not prepared to make cuts in order to get a release. Sukkhapisit applied for
the 20- rating, which restricts a film to audiences aged 20 and older. "This
film is not supposed to be viewed by those younger than that," she told The
Nation newspaper.

Sukkhapisit, who has won several awards for short films, was working with
Bioscope magazine on plans to release Insects as part of its Indie Spirit
project. Bioscope has worked with other local filmmakers and specific
theatres, in order to secure small, targeted releases.

(Article by Patrick Frater on www.filmbiz.asia)