If worldwide distribution for the Elton John biopic “Rocketman” has proven anything it’s that there is still rampant homophobia all over the world. After most of its scenes depicting gay relations were censored in Russia just a week ago, the American-British produced musical has now been completely banned in the island nation of Samoa, all because of the tiny bit of homosexuality ‘Rocketman’ depicts onscreen.
Read more‘Rafiki' is the first Pro-LGBTQ Movie Made in Kenya [Review]
You will read people raving about the importance of a movie like “Rafiki“ even existing and I can understand and agree with that. This is an openly pro-LGBTQ movie financed in a country that is a vehemently homophobic and, for that, a movie such as this one should no doubt exist. However, the meandering plot and contrived romance at the heart of this film does the film’s outer importance a major disservice.
Read moreRami Malek's Acceptance Speech Censored in China; Words “Gay Man" Replaced With “Special Person"
Chinese streaming site Mango TV cut OFF the phrase "gay man" from Rami Malek’s Oscar speech.
Malek was trying to honor young people struggling with their identity when he said “listen, we made a film about a gay man, an immigrant, who lived his life unapologetically himself,” but chinese censors replaced “gay man” with “special group.”
Screen grabs of the moment went viral on Chinese social media.
China is known to ban or censor gay-themed content in apprehensive ways. Last year, for example, they banned gay romance “Call Me by Your Name” from appearing at the Beijing International Film Festival. Gay-themed storytelling has also been banned from television for many years now, ditto online streaming content.
Still no distributor for "Bucking Fastard," "Alpha Gang," "The Last Photograph," "Closing Night," and "The Life and Deaths of Wilson Shedd." The issue seems to be quality more than a lack of willingness to buy.