TODAY-Jan 9
Films that will be shown at the upcoming Palestine Film Festival “do not promote violence or enmity against any group”, which is why they have been allowed to be screened with appropriate age ratings, said Minister for Home Affairs K Shanmugam. “Beyond these, the Government’s position is that permits will not be given for public events and assemblies on the Israel-Hamas conflict,” he added. He was responding on Tuesday (Jan 9) to a parliamentary question from Mr Saktiandi Supaat, a Member of Parliament for the Bishan-Toa Payoh Group Representation Constituency. Mr Shanmugam said that any film proposed to be screened at film festivals has to first be classified by the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA). This was the case for the Israel Film Festival back in October 2023 as well as for the Palestine Film Festival. The Palestine Film Festival from Jan 12 to 21 at The Projector at Cineleisure mall in the Orchard Road area will showcase “10 thought-provoking films that shed light on the challenges faced by the people of Palestine”, said independent cinema operator The Projector on its website. “Our aim is to raise cultural awareness and increase understanding of the situation among Singaporeans.” With the film festival billed as a “fundraiser for Gaza”, proceeds will go directly to the Singapore Red Cross for the relief and recovery efforts of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, which has been on the ground helping civilians affected by the crisis, said the Projector. Mr Shanmugam said that the Government recognizes the “strong desire” among some Singaporeans to express their views and do something about the Israel-Hamas conflict. Read more at:
