I am a big fan of independent film. I am a big fan of oddity and perversion. I love films that are kinky. It may seem a bit odd for me to admit to this on my blog, which is undoubtedly public, and easily found by family members, but NEWS FLASH: I am 20 years old!
Currently, Canadian film makers are able to apply for a few different grants and tax credits to encourage Canadian media, art and expression. However, soon, this may change thanks to an amendment regarding Bill C-10 (the Income Tax Act), which has recently been introduced by the Conservative MPs. The change, which is currently being reviewed in the Senate, would see that tax credits be denied for projects deemed “offencive,” by the Conservatives. One of these films, (I’m about to use a bad word) is the Toronto Film Festival screened (here it comes…), Young People Fucking. (Okay, I said it. Relax.) I’m sure you can imagine what said film is about, and why it may be facing Conservative scrutiny.
But is threatening film makers in this way not censorship? And is censorship not against our constitutional rights?
That is what quite a few people and panels are trying to get to the bottom of. I haven’t had a chance to see this film yet, though I would like to, but I have researched it a bit, and formed a few opinions. Just because a film has an expletive in the title that provokes graphic imagery, does not mean that it is pornographic. Sex is a dominant theme, but used to portray human relationships and interactions. During a screening for MPs in Ottawa, all of which were opposition members (Liberals, NDPs, etc.) many praised the film as a “social reality check,” and a “serious explanation of relationships,” while being “funny and fun.”
These are the most important films to see, in my opinion. And it would be a shame to miss out on such a major insight because of something as silly as censorship. Censorship is common in many countries, but it shouldn’t be here. It also is dreadfully unfair to Canada’s budding and blooming film makers, most of whom probably aren’t elderly Conservative Parliament members, and therefore hold different values, and voices that don’t deserve to be silenced this early in the game! We need to fight for our art, our expression, our relationships. Sex is a big part of our society, and what are films but a fingerprint of our world?
What do you think of the censorship of such films? Do you think the measures of the Bill C-10 amendment are just and necessary? Is sex really that taboo of a subject in our lives?
I don’t think sex is a big deal at all, but I think we have to face the fact that it’ll always be a little taboo. Maybe not in another few decades, when our generation is the generation in power, but it’s still possible, as I know my share of prudes.
I’m not entirely against censorship. There are movies/books that are simply silly. Like something pro-KKK or pro-hate crime. That is unneeded.
But this, Young People Fucking, should not be censored. Young people DO fuck. Everyone knows it, whether or not they want to admit it or not. What harm does it do to draw attention to it when it’s already a fact of life?
I think that’s a poor choice of title for the film! But, I also think that every film has an audience, and denying film-makers the chance to make films for audiences is a bad thing.
That is an interesting title for a film, but straight to the point I guess.
Censorship is an incredibly patronising notion. Don’t we have a right to distinguish what we find offensive ourselves? Having a nanny government dictate what is considered lewd to such a varied public is ridiculous.
Like you Aisling I believe erotic films should have access to grants as much as any other type of film. After all eroticism is not offensive but natural.
Now chick flicks - I find those offensive to my intelligence. They should be denied any sort of government support
I’m pretty libertarian with my beliefs and think that government should be kept at a minimum (so therefore things like censorship should also be kept at a minimum).
Seeing as the libertarian viewpoint is the epitome of the conservative-ness, it seems pretty odd to me that the conservatives would be the ones pushing the legislation.
But anyway, I agree with you: even though these films may seem offensive and probably aren’t suitable for children, I still don’t think this means they should be treated any differently.
This is BLATANT censorship. While I do not live in Canada, I truly hope that this bill gets shot down in flames, as it deserves. It angers me that a bill like this is even able to see the light of day.
I think that, yes, sex is taboo in our culture, but I think it is the WRONG type of sex that is taboo. Here’s an example: rap videos. Both male and female hip-hop artists rap very explicitly about sex, and their music videos are literally dripping in sex. This is not a realistic idea of sex - no one actually acts, in real life, like these people do - but these images are very common in the media, so I’d say it’s not very taboo. Realistic sex, on the other hand, IS very taboo — like this movie, for example. Why is that? Why is it that when someone attempts to portray sex realistically (e.g. to suggest that, OMG young people actually FUCK?!) it is taboo… yet, for example, hip-hop artists seem to get away with it more easily?
Of course, hip-hop artists get their fair share of flack for their portrayal of sex, and I suppose not everyone would agree with my interpretation of realistic sex being more taboo than unrealistic sex. Either way, I feel that there is definitely a problem with the way sex is both handled and portrayed.
Anyway, I am definitely going to check that movie out.