Allegedly blasphemous film ‘Dog God’ to be screened in May
After a ban that has lasted for 25 years for supposed blasphemy, the Thai movie “Dog God”, is finally coming to the big screen.
House Samyan cinema in the heart of Bangkok announced on Wednesday that it would screen the 2-hour-long movie in May.
Back in October last year, the Department of Cultural Promotion’s screening committee agreed to allow the screening of the film, but gave the movie a 15+ rating.
“Dog God”, also known as “My Teacher Eats Biscuits”, was directed by Samanrat Ing Kanjanavanit, aka Ing K. Singer Krissada Sukosol Clapp, who is better known as “Noi Pru”, plays the lead character.
The movie focuses on a cult whose followers worship dogs.
The movie was first scheduled to be shown at the Bangkok Film Festival held by The Nation in 1997. Before the event, complaints were filed with the screening committee, alleging that “Dog God” insulted all religions and even the monarchy.
As a result, the movie was immediately banned in Thailand. Even movie trailers, promotional photos and posters were not allowed.
However, the film was screened at several international events including in Hawaii, New York and Los Angeles.
Another movie by Ing K, which was also banned at the time of its release but later given permission to screen is “Shakespeare Must Die,” adapted from William Shakespeare’s renowned tragedy Macbeth.
In February this year, the Supreme Administrative Court lifted the ban on “Shakespeare Must Die” after 11 years of legal battles.
The film was banned by the screening committee during Yingluck Shinawatra’s administration on the grounds that it would cause disharmony in the nation and was contrary to public order and the morals of the Thai people. The film mentions the events of the October 6, 1976 massacre as part of the story.
