DJK’s Hema Hema is not barred from screening: BICMA

DJK’s Hema Hema is not barred from screening: BICMA

It is being reviewed

The feature film “Hema Hema: Sing Me Song While I Wait” by Dzongsar Jamyang Khyentse Rinpoche has not been barred for screening as reported, according to Bhutan infoComm and Media Authority (BICMA).
A press release from the regulatory authority stated that the film is still being reviewed. It stated that the film has been reviewed by the National Films Review Board (NFRB) and recommended that the film be further reviewed by the Department of Culture (DoC) with the home ministry
BICMA stated that media claiming that BICMA had barred the screening of Hema Hema is
incorrect. “BICMA would like to inform that the headline was incorrect and as such has misinformed and misled the general public. The film “Hema Hema: Sing Me Song While I Wait” has not been barred for screening as the film is still under review.
According to Kuensel, Lyonchoen said that the producers of the film had applied for a permit to make the film and BICMA had given permission, adding that it appears that BICMA requires a review of film before screening but the producers had already taken the movie outside Bhutan.
“The NFRB viewed the film and thought that certain parts of the movie may be inappropriate, which includes the use of traditional masks and several scenes in the movie. BICMA sent the movie to be reviewed by DoC and they have yet to review it. This is where it stands right now,” Lyonchoen told Kuensel. “There are rules and implementations of these rules are important. We must allow the system to do its job and then everybody will know the due procedures and process.
The producer of the film, Pawo Chonyning Dorji told BBS that, BICMA felt that they have inappropriately used the “Lha-tshog” masks. “But we never mentioned that the particular mask was a Lha. Rinpoche himself said that many Lha are represented by the same mask as demons and Lu contents.”
The producer also said that the film was seen as the most successful Bhutanese films abroad.
“All I wanted was to let our film strike a chord with Bhutanese audience and lovers of art. It is very unfortunate that we cannot screen the movie,” he told BBS.
“Hema Hema: sing me a song while I wait” had a special mention at the Toronto International Film Festival this year. The film was also screened at several other international film festivals.
The film was conceptualised, written, and directed by his eminence Dzongsar Jamyang Khyentse.
The NFRB is an independent board with members from relevant stakeholders, instituted by the Authority as per provision of the act and the rules for establishment of the National Film review Board.