Malaysians flock to see first 'gay' film
Source: Agencies |
March 31, 2011, Thursday
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Print Edition
Print Edition
MALAYSIA'S first romantic movie with a gay theme has become a swift box-office success, attracting curious audiences who rarely get to see films depicting sexuality because of strict censorship.
The Malay-language movie, called "Dalam Botol," or "In a Bottle," grossed more than 1 million ringgit (US$330,000) in its first five days, recouping its production and marketing costs, said Raja Azmi Raja Sulaiman, who wrote and produced the film.
It depicts a Muslim man who has a sex change operation to please his male lover, but his efforts end in heartbreak for both.
Some gay rights advocates have called it an unfairly negative portrayal of gay and transgendered people.
Part of the movie's success is likely due to intense advance publicity, including speculation that the government-run film censorship board might ban it.
The box office results "prove that Malaysian audiences can handle such movies, that they're more open and not so conservative anymore," Raja Azmi said. "I hope it'll inspire more films that are meaningful and linked to the reality of people's lives."
Raja Azmi said "Dalam Botol" was a neutral work not meant to support or criticize homosexuality. She said it was based on the experiences of a friend who had sex change surgery in Thailand.
It stars heterosexual actors who are seen bare-chested together on a beach and in bed, but the movie only shows them hugging without kissing.
Malaysian gay rights activist Pang Khee Teik voiced concern that the movie might be perceived as an effort to discourage people who had valid reasons to undergo sex change surgery.
Raja Azmi had to submit her script to censors before filming. She was advised to change the original title - "Anu Dalam Botol," or "Penis in a Bottle" - and to remove a conversation that took place in a bedroom.
The Malay-language movie, called "Dalam Botol," or "In a Bottle," grossed more than 1 million ringgit (US$330,000) in its first five days, recouping its production and marketing costs, said Raja Azmi Raja Sulaiman, who wrote and produced the film.
It depicts a Muslim man who has a sex change operation to please his male lover, but his efforts end in heartbreak for both.
Some gay rights advocates have called it an unfairly negative portrayal of gay and transgendered people.
Part of the movie's success is likely due to intense advance publicity, including speculation that the government-run film censorship board might ban it.
The box office results "prove that Malaysian audiences can handle such movies, that they're more open and not so conservative anymore," Raja Azmi said. "I hope it'll inspire more films that are meaningful and linked to the reality of people's lives."
Raja Azmi said "Dalam Botol" was a neutral work not meant to support or criticize homosexuality. She said it was based on the experiences of a friend who had sex change surgery in Thailand.
It stars heterosexual actors who are seen bare-chested together on a beach and in bed, but the movie only shows them hugging without kissing.
Malaysian gay rights activist Pang Khee Teik voiced concern that the movie might be perceived as an effort to discourage people who had valid reasons to undergo sex change surgery.
Raja Azmi had to submit her script to censors before filming. She was advised to change the original title - "Anu Dalam Botol," or "Penis in a Bottle" - and to remove a conversation that took place in a bedroom.
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