"For nearly the entire history of film production, certain films have been banned by film censorship or review organizations for political or moral reasons. Censorship standards vary widely by country, and can vary within an individual country over time due to political change or shifting moral attitudes.
Many countries have government-appointed or private commissions to censor and rate productions for film and television exhibition."
I think it's disturbing how some people think they are the only ones aware of the unthinkable horror put upon prostitutes in today's society. If we look at history, this has been going on as long as the job has been. Murder without recourse as is the norm with people considered below other humans. One of the reasons why I am attracted to the horror genre is because it puts a spotlight on the true abominations that exist in real life. Suddenly the topics that no one wants to address are up for debate.
We live in Vancouver, Canada, where we had one of the most horrifying events ever when they discovered a pig farmer, named Robert Pickton, had been picking up working girls, killing them, and then disposing of their bodies by feeding them to his pigs.
The trial came and went. People cared, then the grand majority went on to what they normally do - pay attention to something else that is headlining the news. Hundreds of women have gone missing and there is still feigning interest. Writing letters anonymously and making angry phone calls and destroying public property may change a screening - as it did with the Saskatoon screening of 'Dead Hooker in a Trunk', but it won't change the world.
You can go and public speak about the issue until you are blue in the face and the fact of the matter is that people will tune out. They tune out starving children. You have to have something to get their attention. The film - 'Dead Hooker in a Trunk' - is not a true account of any horrific crime. It would be pure insanity to name a dramatic, based on reality film that. No, the intention of the story behind the film was to entice people with its title and crazed antics, but in that story have respect, consideration, and reverence for the title character as is not often seen in reality. Especially from younger generations - as represented by the lead group - who don't seem to give a shit about anyone.
To devalue a film that is saying these women are people and when they die it is an awful tragedy that must be avenged is nonsensical. The fact that we use dark comedic devices to get our audiences' attention should not take away from the merit of the film or its right to be screened. A message can move with the stereotypes that exist in today's culture and use those same pre-existing notions to get the message across. The fact that the film uses the term 'dead hooker in a trunk' is derived from the fact that that is a pop culture reference. We did not create the phrase, but we did take it to get people's attention.
On a personal note, I know people who work in the sex trade industry. I have heard the stories, I have seen the tears, I have felt so angry and so powerless wanting to help these women. I am not happy with the way these women have been treated and I understand where these people are coming from. I understand hating a dire situation - like the blind-eye turned to the turmoil these men and women face - and wanting to rip up a poster that says the word 'Hooker' on it. I think what upsets me the most about the situation is that it involves a group of intelligent people with their hearts in the right places, but we aren't helping anyone.
I am greatly saddened by this turn of events - mostly the manner in which people chose to represent themselves. The coordinator of the festival paid for the marketing materials out of pocket to promote a horror festival that would show the film and those materials were vandalized. No apologies given because a side was chosen without even watching the film. Despite the positive portrayal in the film, the Roxy Theater and the concerned, anonymous voices chose the judge the film solely on its title and nothing else and that is beyond shameful.
The theater has yet to respond to me and I doubt they will as others have already gotten responses to their messages. I hope they can find a way to do some actual good with this uproar other than sweeping it under the carpet as an issue that really has no baring on the actual issue. On the date we have been removed, I suggest that they show films like THE GIRLFRIEND EXPERIENCE or REQUIEM FOR A DREAM or CHICKEN RANCH that deals with the subject matter without putting it in the title to abide by these backwards restrictions and donate all proceeds to outreach programs that are actually on the front lines doing something about the problem.
If you want to make a donation to help these women you can contact the Saskatoon branch of the YWCA here. It would be nice if something of value actually came from this unfortunate censorship of our film.
We will be announcing all other region distribution and release shortly, hopefully this will give people interested in seeing the film an opportunity to do so. Thank you to the numerous people who have rallied support behind us and our film. It means the world to us and we shall see how this all plays out. In closing, we will keep making movies with subject matter that will make people uncomfortable. The things that no one wants to take about needs to be addressed and they will be in many films and projects to come. Sadly, the intention behind the film has been lost of those who never even bothered watching it.
~Jen and Sylv
