Alhamra reverses decision to cancel Manto Festival post protests

Festival that was earlier cancelled will now take place in February

LAHORE: Numerous activists and the Anjuman Taraqi Pasand Musanifeen – an organisation of progressive writers of Pakistan – in particular, have been carrying out protests at Lahore Press Club after the cancellation of the Manto Festival by the Alhamra Arts Council. They are also unhappy with the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC)'s decision to ban Nandita Das' recent film Manto, which was not even issued a censor certificate.

The protestors chanted slogans against the CBFC and also condemned Alhamra's administration for cancelling the festival, claiming that 'Naya Pakistan' should not have such narrow-minded practices as they discredit the services done by great writers like Saadat Hassan Manto.

PHOTO: FILE

Leading the protests were activist-painter Salima Hashmi (daughter of Faiz Ahmad Faiz), senior journalist Hussain Naqi, Farooq Tariq, Hassnain Jameel, Saeed Ahmad, Comrade Tanveer and others, holding up banners and posters with slogans in favour of the late author. Some of them read, "Us progressive writers, poets and activists are with you, Manto." There were also holding leaflets on Das, saluting her efforts.

Fortunately, the protests have been successful and the council has taken back its decision to cancel Manto Festival at least. It will now be held in February.

PHOTO: FILE

The event was cancelled earlier this week over concerns that the author's work promotes indecent content. Some even went as far as calling Manto a 'liberal and vulgar writer.' As for the film, it was deemed to be 'against Pakistani ideology' and allegedly has some points of contention with regards to the Partition of India and Pakistan.

Decision on 'Manto' will not be reversed: Censor Board

The banning prompted many Indian writers and scholars, as well as film producers and distributors, to express their concerns over social media. However, CBFC did not face any problems over its decision and stood by what it had claimed earlier. According to them, no film that goes against the culture, history and ideologies of Pakistan will never be allowed.

PHOTO: FILE

Nonetheless, Das took to Twitter to share her gratitude for those supporting her film in Pakistan. "Beyond borders, the fight for freedom of expression is the same. Thanks to all those in Pakistan who are working to free Manto. Thanks to everyone who has taken to the streets to protest against the ban on Manto in Pakistan. I am there with you in spirit and so is the entire Manto team," she tweeted.

Beyond borders, the fight for freedom of expression is the same. Thanks to all those in Pakistan who are working to #FreeManto #Manto #FreeSpeechhttps://t.co/1v1MOD04sW https://t.co/1v1MOD04sW

— Nandita Das (@nanditadas) January 14, 2019

“It is amazing to see people out on the streets to protest. Salima Hashmi, artist and daughter of Faiz Ahmed Faiz, and others! Respect and gratitude," Das concluded.

Thanks to everyone who has taken to the streets to protest against the ban on MANTO in Pakistan. I am there with you in spirit, and so is the entire MANTO team!

⁰⁰#FreeManto #Manto #FreeSpeech

— Nandita Das (@nanditadas) January 14, 2019

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