A renowned and critically acclaimed producer-director has come up with a new movie based on retelling of the freedom movement. The trailer of this project depicts prominent freedom fighters and various aspects of their personalities. It is a project that involves substantial sums of money and has taken collaborative efforts of 3 years. However, certain political and social activists have objected to what they perceived as negative portrayal of some freedom fighters. As such, they have opposed the release of this movie and issued threats with serious consequences. This has come in the context of increase in the number of instances involving many groups issuing threats against one or the other movie. In such a context you have been designated as the head of a special committee with the broad responsibility of reviewing the film certification process in general as well as the checking the historical accuracy of the events depicted in this particular movie. (a) Who are the key stakeholders you would involve as part of the consultation process? (b) What are the principles that you would consider while giving your recommendations to the government? Also, provide an outline of a solution that you deem appropriate in the prevailing context.

(a) STAKEHOLDERS:

(i) Film makers : to collaborate in case of any cuts

(ii) Respectable leaders : to ensure no violence of the cultural & political groups

(iii) Government : to relay my observations

(iv) Me : to coordinate the process

(v) Prominent Historians : to fact check any alleged discrepancy

(vi) Members of Certificate Board

(b) PRINCIPLES:

The key issue at hand is the freedom of speech & expression of the filmmaker which is being held at ransom by the unwarranted threats.

Assuming the activists have not seen the movie, it is incorrect at their part to make allegations based on the trailer. However, their concerns shouldn't be discarded given they haven't been completely refuted as well.

Moreover, long term investment & substantial amount of money has been invested in this movie. The value of their labours shouldn't be neglected.

At a broader level, the concern about increasing number of threats should also be tackled to ensure smooth decision making in future & setting a good precedent.

OUTLINE OF THE SOLUTION :

• Get in touch with the leaders to ask them to collaborate in the process & stop and withdraw their threats.
• Call a meeting with the Certification Board members, leeders & filmmakers to discuss the apprehensions.
• Some respected leaders who can be made to watch the films along with Historians to fact check before release.
• As per Historians feedback, a mutual understanding can be framed between the leaders.
• If needed some cuts can be recommended through the Certification board.
• If not, leaders should be asked not to create public ruckus.
• In case of continued threats, government can issue public notice to avoid creating any nuisance.
• Along with this, a separate discussion with Certification Board about viewer rating & process of certification of the such controversial movies should be done.