IMDA refuses classification of S'pore film about censorship

The Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) refused approval of a film by Singaporean director Daniel Hui for screening at the Singapore International Film Festival (SGIFF), stating that it is "likely to be prejudicial to national interests".

The film, "Small Hours of the Night", is described by SGIFF as a "psychodrama".

It is based on a 1983 trial sparked by an inscription on the tombstone of Tan Chay Wa, a political dissident, who had fled Singapore's Internal Security Department (ISD), only to be arrested and executed in Malaysia.

Tan's older brother, Tan Chu Boon, then brought Tan Chay Wa's body back to Singapore to be buried in Choa Chu Kang cemetery.

Tan Chu Boon, however, was later convicted for engraving an inscription on his brother's tombstone that was judged to be subversive and advocating acts prejudicial to the security of Singapore.

According to Variety, IMDA said:

“In consultation with the Ministry of Law and the Attorney-General’s Chambers, IMDA has assessed the film to have content that is potentially contrary to the law, i.e. illegal. It would be likely to be prejudicial to national interests to approve it for screening.”

SGIFF's programme director Thong Kay Wee told Mothership that the film was "refused classification" by IMDA, and that the film will thus not be allowed to be screened publicly.

Under the IMDA's film classification guidelines, “any material that undermines or is likely to undermine public order, or is likely to be prejudicial to national interest” will be refused classification.

An IMDA classification is needed for public screenings and distribution of films in Singapore.

Nevertheless, Thong said the festival would like to reiterate its commitment to the film and its filmmakers by crediting it on record as SGIFF's official selection under its "Undercurrent" strand.

He added that the film "presents a gripping psychodrama that deserves to be seen and appreciated by audiences."

Film was about censorship

Filmmaker Daniel Hui issued a statement on the matter via his Instagram account, sharing his disappointment:

”As the director of this film, the irony does not escape me that a film about censorship is itself being censored. I am of course very disappointed that people all around the world can see this film, but not in Singapore.

However, I remain hopeful that one day, we will have a discursive space in Singapore that is gracious and generous enough to include diverse voices and points of view.”

According to SGIFF, the film "indirectly reveals the personal and societal stakes for ordinary individuals in the face of impenetrable political and legal systems."

Filmmaker will participate in other SGIFF events

Thong clarified that Hui will continue to participate in several other events under the SGIFF umbrella as a panellist speaker.

Hui will also be participating in a forum session, "Mildly Offensive, Sometimes Accurate", which apparently "invites the audience to discover the highs and lows of local filmmaking”.

Top photo from SGIFF.