Many of you will have seen news reports that campaigners are targeting UK cinemas, urging them not to screen the upcoming Ali G: Who Iz I? film. There are possible unverified claims that one major cinema chain has already pulled the title, though it remains unclear whether they simply have not scheduled it yet (remaining open minded).

To be clear – my thoughts are not about this film’s content and associated points/arguments some wish to raise, but the wider issue of censorship.

When regulatory bodies officially clear a film for release (which is already a form of censorship and validation), cinemas and other venues should be free to screen and advertise showings without outside interference. Allowing external pressure groups to dictate film schedules based on moral objections creates a slippery slope where edgy or satirical art is quietly phased out without official bans. Audience demand and not campaigners should determine whether content has a market or not.

Purchasing a ticket is an active choice. If a film production does not align with your personal views, skip it. We are all fully capable of deciding what we want to watch without extra layers of censorship restricting our options.

This is just my opinion, but it’s a dangerous precedent to allow additional censorship and restrictions on freedoms to show films that have already been cleared for viewing.

Campaigners do have the right to express their views but the focus should be on explaining why an audience might choose not to watch a film. This then avoids infringing on an individuals right to make a free choice by removing such content from cinemas.

It is also possible that campaigners might not genuinely intend to ban a film but rather use the justification to draw attention to their cause. This strategy generates publicity and focus but it crosses a dangerous line if a film was ever restricted.

Let us know your thoughts below. Do you agree or disagree?