5 April 2002

Censor Has Lost The Plot - He Must Now Go Over Obscene Decision

New Zealand First Deputy Leader, Peter Brown is asking two questions:

- How does the Chief Film Censor describe film which depicts paedophilia; rape; sexual violence; explicit necrophilia; drug taking; intercourse involving human excrement; and all manner of obscene material, according to the censor’s own report, as: “accomplished and funny”?, and;

- How can he keep his job after doing so?

In an interview with Auckland’s b95 Fm, Chief Film Censor Bill Hastings described the film as “accomplished and funny” and that felt that it did not require a total ban.

“It is appalling that the chief censor can have this attitude. This film is obviously a depraved attempt at filmmaking of the lowest kind, aimed at equally depraved persons who would be quite likely to be locked-up if they ever attempted any of this. But the censor does not seem to think this is injurious to the public good,” said Mr Brown.

“I met with the Mr Hastings a few days ago, following my complaints about another film. At that time I made my concerns known to him personally, but now I feel that the only remedy is to relieve Mr Hastings as Chief Film Censor. I have already informed the Censor’s office that I intend to push for his resignation.

“I intend seeking a meeting with the Minister of Internal Affairs and asking him to present a case to the Governor General,” concluded Mr Brown.

ENDS

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