DHIAT Censorship Controversy hits The Star Phoenix

Our story has hit the local news. If you haven't heard about all the fuss surrounding a double billing screening of our beloved DEAD HOOKER IN A TRUNK alongside THE TAINT through Dark Bridges Film Festival's John Allsion being banned and canceled by the Roxy Theatre in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, you, my friend, must have spent the weekend under a rock.

But fear not, you can read about it here, as our story hit the local news.

Though the "anonymous" folks who protested the screening decided, in the true nature of anonymity, to not talk to the press, though I imagine they would have been more than free to remain anonymous, both sides of this argument were heard.

Allison believes the backlash is related to the Roxy's location in Riversdale.

"I don't want it to be about Riversdale. I had complaints of How could you put 'Dead Hooker in a Trunk' and 'Kill women' in Riversdale when there's so much violence against women in Riversdale.' That's the wrong way to look at this type of stuff for me," Allison said. "Violence is wrong, whether it's in Riversdale or elsewhere. We're perpetuating this myth that Riversdale is a bad area."

Allison said he understands why violence is a sensitive topic and why people might be offended by the poster, but he wants to encourage debate rather than outright censorship.

Though I sympathize with the murders anyone anywhere, regardless of their profession and given labels, I feel this was a mistake on behalf of the theatre and that our film has been used unfairly to voice outrage over how prostitutes and their murders in the area have not been taken seriously by the local law enforcement. This film is so much more than a unconventional title. It is a testament to independent and Canadian film. People should be allowed to choose to see the film or not.

But they should be given the choice.

~ Jen