They have specifically objected to the rule that even films screened at the festival must be screened, as mentioned in point seven of the procedure.
What you should know
Filmmakers have expressed dissatisfaction with the 'Film Censorship Procedures 2082' implemented by the Central Film Censor Board (Censor Board) on December 2.
They have objected to the rule that films to be screened at the festival mentioned in the seventh point of the procedure.
Expressing dissatisfaction with the clause that states, ‘Except in cases where the committee has delegated the authority to screen films, only films that have passed the screening by the committee will be screened at the festival,’ the filmmakers have opined that this should be corrected. Film director KP Pathak said that the new procedure will affect international film festivals.
‘Films participating in the festival do not pass screening worldwide, that is, permission is taken for public screening. This provision directly affects international film festivals in Nepal,’ said director Pathak.
Film producer Ramkrishna Pokharel said that there should be a rule to classify films instead of screening. ‘In most countries, films are classified instead of being cut in the name of screening. Surveillance is increased on the age group that is restricted from watching the film, but in Nepal, a rule has been introduced to screen films that are screened at the festival. This will cause losses in the long run,’ he said.
The new procedure also mentions encouraging the development of a self-censorship system ‘in full compliance with the prevailing laws related to films’. However, the new procedure that has been implemented does not encourage filmmakers, says Samipyaraj Timalsena, president of the Film Critics Society.
‘We need international festivals to promote films. There, filmmakers from all over the world come together and present creations that make their countries known. We should have also understood international practice when making the law on film censorship,’ he said, ‘In the current situation, a procedure should be brought to encourage filmmakers, but since filmmakers themselves have expressed dissatisfaction, it is best to give it a thorough consideration.’
With the implementation of the new procedure, the previous ‘Film Censorship Procedure 2080’ has been repealed.
