Many Chinese fans are thrilled over Ang Lee's Oscar win for "Brokeback Mountain," yet will not be able to see the film in China's theaters, reports said Friday.
The State Administration of Radio, Film and Television has the final say on which foreign films may be shown in China, and bases its decisions on applications submitted by two authorized film importers.
Neither importer has even applied to distribute "Brokeback Mountain," the South China Morning Post reported Friday, because its homosexual theme is considered too sensitive.
Earlier, the People's Literature Publishing House dropped its plan to publish a Chinese version of E. Annie Proulx's short story that inspired the movie. Asked to explain the decision, a division head at the publishing house mentioned a regulation banning publications deemed pornographic and against social morals, the newspaper said.
Film analyst Teng Jimeng said movie censors and even members of the film analysis community believed homosexuality was "deviant" and movies that dealt with such themes failed to educate or entertain the public.
Anyone who wants to see the film in China, however, has the option of buying a pirated DVD, widely available from street vendors for less than $1.
© Copyright 2006 by United Press International
