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Artist: Steven Spielberg, Director Confronting Bodies: Henrietta Mendez, Philippine chief film censor Date of Action: 1994 Specific Location: Philippines Description of Artwork: The true story of how a WWII era businessman saved hundreds of Jews from Nazi execution. The film has received critical acclaim internationally. Description of Incident: Chief Philippine film censor Henrietta Mendez ordered three cuts on the film before it would be allowed screening in the Philippines, because the scenes showed women's breasts and actor Liam Neeson making love to his screen mistress. As a result of these proposed cuts, director Spielberg pulled the film from screening in the Philippines. Results of Incident: Philippine senators, also protesting the action of Mendez, demanded the abolition of the censors board, and President Fidel Ramos told reporters he would look into the controversy. "Such narrow-mindedness precisely shows the dangers of censorship," said Senate justice committee chairman Paul Roco. Mendez has refused to back down. "The sex act is sacred and beautiful and should be done in the privacy of the bedroom," she said. Source: Chicago Sun Times (Reuters), March 3, 1994 |
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