HORROR film ‘Pulau’ found itself the centre of attention – for all the wrong reasons – when its trailer was released back in January. It was immediately accused of containing obscene scenes and imagery by some religious authorities.
Yesterday afternoon, during a press conference following the first-ever public screening of the movie – even the cast had not yet seen the film – the producer, the director, and some of the cast addressed the controversy, while maintaining that the content and message of the ‘Pulau’ had been misrepresented.
Producer Fred Chong says he made about 10 cuts to the movie in accordance with recommendations from the Film Censorship Board (LPF).
“In terms of creativity, of course the director has a vision of the full version, we call it the director’s cut, but in life we have to respect the country, the culture, so we have to present the best version possible for each territory. For me, this is the best version we can present for Malaysia,” he said.
Thanks to these cuts, the film has received a P13 rating, though Fred did joke that an uncut version would be available in Singapore and that the version to be played in Brunei received a further seven cuts.
“From what you saw another seven cuts in Brunei. So Malaysia is quite good now, Malaysia is very liberal and progressive and very happy,” he added.
Fred also said ‘Pulau’ was originally going to appear in 70 cinemas nationwide, but the number now stands at 124, with the distributor promising it will go up.
“This is the first time I directed a Malay movie,” said director Eu Ho.
“For a Chinese like me, I don’t have a burden to shoot this kind of a film.
“I mean, sorry to say to the Malay community because they feel (it’s) controversial. For me, (being) on the beach and wearing a bikini is common so I don’t have any burden.
“I feel this is a chance for me to showcase the talented Malaysian actors and filmmakers,” he added.
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The latter was a common refrain from the cast that commented on the negative attention ‘Pulau’ has received thus far.
Many of them believe the movie has a positive message and more importantly promotes Malaysian talents, creativity and locations – with the movie set in picturesque Langkawi.
“It is definitely a very experimental and also very proud moment, because this movie does not only show the cast is diverse, in ethnicity in this whole cast, but it also shows diversity in the beauty of Malaysia,” said former adult entertainer turned club DJ Siew Pui Yi, who has a small role in ‘Pulau’ yet has received an outsized amount of attention.
Music star Alif Satar, who plays one of the leads, hopes that the people who watch the movie see what he saw in the script, while noting that he understands the sensitivities of the Malaysian people.
“On the surface, Pulau is a horror movie, but deeper than that Pulau is a movie about love for one another,” said Amelia Henderson, who plays the lead in the movie.
“There’s so much more to it than naughty kids breaking the rules.”
Fred also said that just the hint of controversy was enough to scare off some sponsors, yet he stuck with an optimistic tone.
“I lost my sponsor but if you have a good quality film, which I believe we have, we are letting the film do the talking for us,” he said. – The Vibes, March 1, 2023
