The boundary between free expression and professional decorum once again takes center stage as the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) summons Viva Communications, Inc. to a dialogue over a now-viral video showing Sassa Gurl, one of Viva’s content creators, hurling profane remarks at the agency during the premiere of “Dreamboi,” an entry to the CineSilip Film Festival.
In a letter, MTRCB described the creator’s statement as “disrespectful to the institution and to the people behind the Board’s work.”
The Board invited Viva President Vincent G. Del Rosario to a meeting on November 4 to “promote mutual understanding and responsible conduct in public events.”
It’s a familiar tension in the local entertainment industry: Where does creative freedom end and accountability begin?
The MTRCB, while reiterating its respect for freedom of expression, emphasized concern over language that “undermines respect for public institutions.”
The episode recalls a similar flare-up not long prior, when Ricky Avanceña-Quezon lashed out with profanity at the creators of “Quezon,” a film he felt disrespected his grandfather, former President Manuel L. Quezon. His outrage was understandable, but his words, less so.
Both incidents reveal the thin line between passionate discourse and outright belligerence.
We all have our reasons, beliefs, views. But in no way should we express it sans respect. Yes, we can express our disappointment, but in a civilized manner, there’s no need to curse.
