Slap in the face of arts?

Slap in the face of arts?

Film will not be screened in the country: BICMA

Dzongsar Jamyang Khyentse Rinpoche’s feature film Hema Hema: Sing Me a Song While I Wait, will not be screened in Bhutan.
The National Film Review Board and the department of culture found various religious masks were used in the film, which is considered culturally inappropriate.
This according to members of the small artist community has come as a big blow. They feel that the decision was a challenge to creativity, which is an important ingredient of making movie.
Expressing shock, a movie director said that he envied the director of Hema Hema and the idea behind the film when it was screened outside Bhutan. “I was shocked to hear that the film is not allowed to be screened in the country,” he said. “What kind of decision is this?” he said requesting to not name him.
“This is a slap in the face to the arts,” said a critic. “It basically shows our inability to see beyond certain cultural dogmas. Arts and imagination must continuously redefine our values, otherwise we will fail to progress as a society. I hope BICMA rescinds its decision.”
With many expecting for the movie to be screen in the country, a disappointed fan of DJK’s movies said that the decision was a big blow to both into movie making and audience who love quality movies. “Movies depict life. It is through art that life is portrait,” he said. “This is not a nice decision,” he added.
Another said that the authorities are fine with people who let organize mask dances for tourists, but not with using masks in movies. “I haven’t watched the movie so I don’t know how the masks were used, but if it is not insulting our culture. What is the problem with using masks,” he said.
Director Palden said that he thought the movie would give them some new ideas and was waiting for the movie. “I strongly support that it should be screened,” he said. “Films teach people lessons,” he added. “If using masks in films is a problem, why do we go and watch Tshechus.”
A critic, who sounded angry on Facebook stated that he was concerned by the decision because it thunderously ceased thousands from getting inspired and extracting the essence of life and them passing it onto others and then they took to their immediate surroundings, especially when the truth is only spoken once in a blue moon.
Meanwhile, movie buffs were disappointed too. A monk, Jigme, said that he heard that the film was all about religious point of view. “I was waiting to watch the film but I heard that this film is not allowed to screened,” he said.
Aum Karma, who was eagerly waiting for this movie, said that she heard the movie had a lot of religious themes. “I am sure that it will change the mind for some of the people. “I am fed up of watching Bhutanese love story. I was expecting to watch a different film,” she said.
Producer of the film, Pawo Choyning Dorji told Kuensel that it is sad not just for the team but a sad situation for art and creativity in the country. He told Kuensel that Rinpoche is a champion of Bhutanese culture, tradition and spirituality. However, he said that he would respect the government’s decision. “We are responsible citizens and we will stick with whatever our government institutions decide for us,” he said.
A student, Wangchuk Dorji said he was eagerly waiting for the film after hearing that it became popular in the West. “There were lot of promos and comment on the movie on the social media, so I was waiting for it to be screened in Thimphu, “he said. “What a disappointment.”