19/02/2003

Following the Malaysian Prime Minister’s heartfelt speech in favour of world peace at the opening of the Kuala Lumpur International World Film Festival, peace and non-violence were very much the subjects of a symposium that was held on 18 February.
Addressing an audience that included all the participants at the first edition of this event, as well as a large number of film industry professionals from Malaysia and India, Malaysian Information Minister Tan Sri Khalil Yakoob underlined the importance of the role of cinema as a messenger of sentiments that are fundamental for the well-being of the human race, like solidarity and tolerance. “Cinema is one of the world’s biggest industries,” said Yakoob. “It gives work to thousands of people and is universally recognised as a precious and unique art form. That is why it must assume its responsibilities and support and disseminate the humanitarian message.

This is a responsibility that was shared by everyone present, be they producers, directors or distributors. “21st Century Man cannot afford to be disappointed again,” said Manuchehr Mohammadi, the Iranian producer of Under The Moonlight, the film that won the festival. "I have experienced just about everything, from political and racist discrimination, to poverty and violence. Art, and cinema in particular, can and must be at the service of mankind in the name of a new dignity."

Cinema is a reflection of the world and,as a consequence, also represents it and especially in educating the young: "The morality, ethics and even the attitudes adopted by actors are imitated by so many ordinary people, " continued Malaysian filmmaker Mahadi J. Murat, winner of the Brotherhood Award for his film, Sayang Salmah (My Dear Salmah). "Great care must be taken when using the incredibly persuasive power of cinema: we must try to avoid gratuitous violence and bloody scenes whose only purpose is to make a film more spectacular."

"The violence that exists in the world is not the fault of the directors who portray it in their work, " said Benjamin Philipovic, a director from Bosnia-Herzegovina. "Quite simply, cinema reflects what we are experiencing; discrimination and lack of harmony. And while cinema cannot stop all wars, I am absolutely convinced that it has the potential to become an extraordinary vehicle for promoting peace. "