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| Sunday, 5 January 2003 |
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Exhibitors demand to name 'Mafia' by E. Weerapperuma and Jayampathy Jayasinghe The Film Exhibitors Association and other bodies involved in the importation, distribution and screening of films have decided to lobby against the National Film Corporation in what they termed as unfair treatment meted out to them. Addressing a press conference at the Holiday Inn Imthiaz J. Cader, President, Film Distributors Association said that they would pressurise the government to amend the National Film Corporation Act and set up a `Regulatory Body' conducive for the film industry. He added that the Association categorically deny any involvement in the withdrawal of the film `Arumosam Wesi' and said that they wanted those concerned to name who the Mafia is in the Sri Lanka film industry. He also said that they do not accept the allegation that was levelled against them. The public will form a wrong impression and that was why we decided to talk to the press. "It is high time we bring in amendments to the NFC Act. We request the Government to appoint a Commission to inquire into the necessity of amending the present NFC Act of 1971 and to call for views of everyone involved in some way in the film industry. We want the Commission to hear the views of the film-makers, distributors, importers and others who are concerned about the industry", he said. The Association was of the opinion that the film in question was withdrawn from the circulation at the request of the film director. "If it is so it is totally incorrect. This is not the first time that such a thing has happened. The film "Mathuyam Davasaka" was taken off the screen on the insistence of the film director. It was a wrong procedure and a violation of the Act and we want to know whether the director of the film was also the producer of the film to entitle him to have the film withdrawn". Dilman Jayarathene, President Film Producers Guild told the press conference that New Imperial Talkies had informed NFC Chairman that the film in question was removed `due to extremely poor patronage'". Today cinemas require minimum of 30 per cent occupancy level in order to break even. For the last 30 years cinemas was forced to run films without having the minimum occupancy levels which resulted in incurring debts continuously. Due to high operational costs and staff commitments at the year end we are unable to continue this film with the present occupancy level", he said quoting the letter addressed to the NFC Chairman. According to data collected during the period beginning from December 20 to 30, the attendance has been very poor. In his letter he had pointed out that on the very first day of the screening of the film at the NIT, Avissawella there were only 65 viewers and that was just 4 per cent of the seating capacity and taking the total period of the screening the average attendance was just 8 per cent. "No business undertaking can exist with only 8 per cent sales of total products", said Mr. Jayarathne. The Association further said that the NFC funded the film and "the decision to withdraw the film was entirely the responsibility of the NFC". Therefore if it is alleged that a Mafia caused the withdrawal of the film, then that must be the National Corporation". Success or failure of a film or product "depends entirely on a judgment of the public who view the film. Not only films, but most goods are subject to market forces. The public cannot be forced to accept any item and in the same way but they cannot be compelled to see a film. If the film is not popular amongst the public, the film will fail. This is a principle that exists all over the world. Contacted by the Lake House Newspapers, National Film Corporation Chairman Jayantha Dharmadasa said that the Corporation would take steps to put an stop to the moves by certain elements responsible in removing good films and screening films that depict sexual scenes. The Corporation do not have the powers to take action against the proprietors of film halls, he added. He further said that steps also would be taken to assist and protect the Sinhla film industry". I am aware of the prevailing situation with the removal of the "Arumosam Wesi", a film for children. I am planning to meet all concerned with the industry in the near future to draw up plans for the development of the industry. Messrs Anuruddha Rekawa, General Manager, New Imperial, Sunil Siriwardene, Secretary Film Exhibitors Association, MRI directors Anthony Raja, Sunil T. Fernando and Nimal Kularatne were also present at the press conference. |
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