24 luglio 2013

Onir: Don't censor my views

Vi segnalo un contributo significativo del regista Onir, pubblicato da Hindustan Times il 19 luglio 2013. Don’t censor my views:

'The gay man in Hindi cinema has been primarily represented as an overtly feminine and sexed-up man. There is nothing wrong in the feminine portrayal of the gay man but it becomes problematic when it becomes the only representation and a representation that is not respected and is constantly subjected to mockery. The other so-called non-stereotype portrayal too is problematic. (...) The same story of the gay man being a home-breaker who cannot be trusted. (...) Queer characters do not necessarily have to be ‘good’ but the narrative remains the same over and over again. Having said that one cannot take away the fact that the biggest contribution of the film [Bombay Talkies] is that you see an actor, who is a macho icon (Randeep Hooda), kiss another man. It shakes up an audience and some of them will accept that ‘this too is normal’. That is precious more so because it is a widely seen film. However, we should be cautious before perceiving that Bombay Talkies getting a wider release is a reflection of overall society becoming more open. The answer will lie when another non-studio film with queer content is made. Will it find the support system? Or will it be turned away by the film certification board with the excuse that two men looking at each other romantically cannot be shown on satellite television as it sends a wrong signal to children? (...) In Dostana (...) the mother at one point is willing to accept the character played by John Abraham as her son’s partner. I think showing acceptance by family is a great signal to give to a community that often lacks the courage to confide in their family'.