The planned release of “Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey,” a British slasher film, has been halted in Hong Kong after city cinemas declined to screen the movie, according to distributor VII Pillars Entertainment. Initially, the film was scheduled to premiere in 32 Hong Kong cinemas on March 23.
VII Pillars expressed disappointment and confusion over the cancellation, with spokesperson Ray Fong stating they had already made all necessary arrangements with the cinemas. Previously, Chinese censors had targeted the film’s main character, Winnie the Pooh, due to memes likening the fictional bear to President Xi Jinping.
The Office for Film, Newspaper and Article Administration (OFNAA) confirmed that they had issued a certificate of approval for the film. However, they stated that the decision to screen the movie was a commercial choice made by the cinemas involved. None of the cinemas have commented on the matter.
Although the film was produced on a small budget, VII Pillars highlighted its rapid international success, with distribution in nearly 200 territories within six months. Moviematic, which planned to screen the film on Tuesday, announced the cancellation on social media, attributing it to technical issues.
Rhys Frake-Waterfield, the film’s director, expressed his suspicion of the simultaneous cancellations, suggesting that it was not coincidental. He dismissed claims of technical issues, pointing out that the film has been successfully screened in over 4,000 cinemas worldwide.
The cancellation occurs as Hong Kong hosts the Art Basel contemporary art fair, with local authorities aiming to promote the city as a thriving cultural center. In recent years, Hong Kong has enacted censorship laws, barring films that could endanger national security. He has seen two films dropped from the international film festival due to a lack of approval from authorities.
The abrupt cancellation of “Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey” in Hong Kong raises concerns about the potential impact of censorship laws on the city’s thriving film industry. Although the reasons behind the cancellation remain unclear, it has sparked conversations about the possible limitations on artistic expression.
In response, local and international filmmakers have called for a more transparent process for film approvals in Hong Kong. They argue that the lack of clear criteria and communication surrounding these decisions could harm the city’s reputation as a cultural hub and discourage artistic innovation.
Meanwhile, film fans have taken to social media to express frustration and disappointment. Some have started online campaigns to bring the movie back to Hong Kong cinemas, while others have sought alternative ways to watch the film, such as via streaming platforms or foreign screenings.
Despite the setback, VII Pillars Entertainment remains optimistic about the future of “Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey.” They plan to continue promoting the film globally and exploring new distribution channels, as they believe its unique take on a beloved character has the potential to captivate audiences worldwide.
As the Art Basel contemporary art fair unfolds in Hong Kong, the city’s commitment to artistic freedom and cultural diversity will be scrutinized. It remains to be seen whether the cancellation of “Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey” will lead to changes in the local film industry or further restrictions on artistic expression.
