A
film examining the plight of asylum-seekers
in Glasgow may be banned by the city council
because of fears it may inflame racial tensions
.
Gas Attack explores the havoc wrought on Glasgows
Kurdish community by a lone racist terrorist,
armed with a biological weapon.
It is due to be shown in the Glasgow Film Theatre
on 24 August, two days after its Edinburgh premiere,
but tickets for the screening are no longer
on sale from GFT.
According to Glasgow City Council, there is
nothing unusual in the decision to refer the
films certification to a meeting of the
licensing committee.
Yet, despite the fact that Gas Attack is the
only Scottish-made feature film showing as part
of the Edinburgh International Film Festival,
some of those involved in the making of the
film believe a decision not to screen it has
already been made. They believe the licensing
meeting represents a last chance to make their
case.
A source close to the film-makers said: "We
understand the licensing people say it wont
be certificated. They say they are minded not
to screen it because of the recent tensions."
The caution of the licensing committee reflects
an unease that Gas Attack would be shown amid
continuing tension in the Sighthill area of
the city - following the murder of Firsat Dag
and a second stabbing just days later.
Robina Qureshi, director of the anti-racist
organisation Positive Action in Housing, who
appears in the film, said any attempts to prevent
the film being shown were misguided.
She said: "How can the film inflame matters?
The situation is inflamed. It couldnt
come out at a better time. In a chilling way
the timing of the film is apt.
"Censorship is not the answer.
"Dealing with things in a reasonable way is
the sensible thing in the face of concerted
attacks on asylum seekers.
"Why would you want to stop the film being shown?
Is it too realistic? Is it too close to the
bone?
"Its asking questions of every local authority
- its set in Glasgow, but it could be
anywhere in the country."
The full committee meeting (which requires a
quorum of seven, from a membership of 25) will
be attended by a representative of the GFT,
who will make the case for its Glasgow premiere.
Neither the convener nor the vice convener of
the licensing committee was available for comment.
A spokesman for the city council insisted the
decision to refer the film to the full committee
was not uncommon where certification was required.
She added: "Due to the nature of the film, the
sub-committee decided to continue consideration
in order that a representative of the GFT could
be present."
Gas
Attack will be given a national network screening
on Channel 4 early next month.
Northern
Editors Note: In fact, the Glasgow Licensing
Board at its meeting on Wednesday morning agreed
the film could be licenced for screening in
the city. No doubt the attendant publicity,
with all the Scottish press featuring the story
as well as Scottish TV news, must have gained
the film very valuable free publicity. Lets
hope the Glasgow Film Theatre screens it to
packed houses! James MacGregor