The LAB-1 cinema in Eindhoven has stopped ticket sales for the Indian film ‘The Kerala Story’. This happened after employees of the cinema were harassed, including on social media, email and by telephone, by strangers.
According to a spokesperson for the cinema, the messages took on an ‘intimidating and threatening’ character. It was then decided to stop ticket sales for the film. The film had been in theaters for two weeks and would be shown for the last time on Sunday.
The Indian film The Kerala Story is about a group of Muslim women from the Indian state of Kerala who convert to Islam and then join the terrorist group Islamic State.
‘On the edge’
According to the spokesperson for the cinema, the film has been running for several weeks without any problems. “Since the beginning of this week, we have been increasingly approached and harassed by the Muslim world, who are apparently opposed to this film. The tone of the messages changed and when employees were also approached personally, a limit was reached for us. With the safety of our staff and visitors of paramount importance, we have removed the film from the programming.”
According to the spokesperson, the tone of the messages in the apps, emails and on social media was ‘on the edge’, and the messages in question also became more frequent and more intense. “They knew how far they could go,” says the spokesperson for the cinema. Among other things, it was said: “We wouldn’t want any hassle or violence at your doorstep, would we?”
The cinema has removed all information about the film from its website and reported it to the police. “There has also been consultation about the film and the threats with, among others, the police and the public administration.”
Don’t get knocked out
According to opponents, the film gives an oversimplified and exaggerated picture of how the women in Kerala eventually joined IS. It is also said that the film tries to pit Hindus and Muslims in India against each other. Despite this, the film is a huge hit in India and has grossed almost 58 million euros till date.
LAB-1 shows Indian films almost every week and wanted to show the film despite all the fuss. “We do this because of the international character of our audience. We stand for a cultural diversity in which we are guided by artistic and creative expression,” the cinema said in a statement. “Art and culture sometimes lead to controversial dilemmas and discussions. That is also part of culture and should be a reason for dialogue and discussion. Not for threats and intimidation. We will continue and will not be discouraged.”