- The double-edged sword of mobile phones in cinemas
In the modern day and age, where access to technology is omnipresent, the intersection of mobile phones and cinema presents both opportunities and challenges. Recently, acclaimed film director and Film Directors Guild of Sri Lanka (DGSL) President Somaratne Dissanayake made headlines by calling for a ban on mobile phones in cinemas.
His impassioned plea aimed to combat piracy and enhance the overall movie-watching experience. This call came in the wake of a 24-year-old’s arrest for illegally recording and uploading Dissanayake’s film ‘Sinhabahu’ on YouTube. This incident has sparked debate among filmmakers, industry leaders, and audiences alike on the role of mobile phones in cinemas and the broader implications of film piracy.
The case for banning mobile phones
Dissanayake’s advocacy for a mobile phone ban in cinemas is rooted in two primary concerns: the detrimental impact of piracy on the film industry and the preservation of an immersive movie-watching experience. Dissanayake argues that prohibiting phones would significantly reduce unauthorised recordings and uploads, thereby protecting the financial interests of filmmakers and enhancing the viewing experience for audiences.
“By banning mobile phones in cinemas, we can maintain focus and prevent unauthorised recordings,” said Dissanayake, adding: “This would not only safeguard the intellectual property of filmmakers, but also ensure that viewers are fully immersed in the film, free from distractions.”
The reality of piracy
Piracy remains a pervasive issue in the film industry, with far-reaching consequences for all involved. When films are illegally recorded and uploaded online, they become accessible to a global audience without proper compensation to the creators. This not only undermines the financial viability of the film, but also affects the livelihoods of the cast and crew.
Prasanna Vithanage, a respected filmmaker and director, acknowledges the gravity of the piracy issue, but believes that a mobile phone ban is not the solution. “Piracy is a real issue and a crime,” Vithanage stated. “We need laws to address this. Banning phones in cinemas won’t solve the problem. It’s about civic duty and responsibility. People should refrain from recording movies, knowing it hurts the industry.”
The financial losses due to piracy can be staggering. Box office sales are a critical revenue stream for filmmakers, and when potential ticket sales are cannibalised by illegal online distributions, it directly impacts the profitability of a film. This, in turn, affects the ability of filmmakers to secure funding for future projects and adequately compensate the cast and crew, who bring these stories to life.
The audience’s perspective
From the audience’s viewpoint, mobile phones have become indispensable tools for staying connected in today’s fast-paced world. Banning them in cinemas could be perceived as an inconvenience, and might even deter some moviegoers from attending screenings. Chandran Rutnam, a prominent filmmaker, emphasised the practical challenges of enforcing such a ban.
“It won’t affect the public at all,” said Rutnam. “Such a thing will never come to life. We cannot police the general public on leaving their mobiles at home. Everyone is working in today’s day and age, and have meetings and whatnot. You need to be accessible. A ban might push people away from cinemas. We need to be responsible for our actions and know how to behave inside a theatre.”
Rutnam’s perspective underscores the importance of balancing the need for anti-piracy measures with the practical realities of modern life. Rather than an outright ban, fostering a culture of respect and responsibility among audiences may be a more effective approach.
Industry leaders weigh in
National Film Corporation Chairperson Deepal Chandraratne provides a more tempered view on the issue. While acknowledging Dissanayake’s concerns, he clarifies that there are no immediate plans to implement a mobile phone ban in cinemas.
“Dissanayake brought up this request at an official meeting, but we cannot comply,” said Chandraratne. “Several producers and directors have voiced their complaints against it, saying it is their personal right to bring in mobile devices. Right now, this request is simply Dissanayake’s personal opinion, and we don’t plan on implementing any rules anytime soon. As for piracy, we are discussing steps to protect against it and will inform the public once we reach a decision.”
Chandraratne’s remarks highlight the complexity of the issue, and the need for a collaborative approach involving all stakeholders in the film industry. Addressing piracy requires a multifaceted strategy that includes legal measures, technological solutions, and public awareness campaigns.
Toward a sustainable solution
In response to the growing concerns about Sri Lanka’s film industry and the evolving digital landscape, the Government recently took steps towards establishing a new regulatory body, Films Sri Lanka. This initiative aims to create a new institutional framework to regulate film-related activities, provide opportunities to enter the digital platform, and elevate local cinema to the international stage.
The establishment of Films Sri Lanka reflects a broader recognition of the need for a comprehensive approach to addressing the challenges faced by the film industry. By engaging with all parties in the film industry and incorporating their input, the Government aims to create a regulatory framework that balances the protection of intellectual property with the practical needs of filmmakers and audiences.
As the debate over mobile phones in cinemas continues, it is clear that there are no easy solutions. The fight against piracy is a complex and ongoing battle that requires the collective efforts of filmmakers, industry leaders, policymakers, and audiences. While Dissanayake’s call for a mobile phone ban highlights the urgency of addressing piracy, it also underscores the need for a balanced and collaborative approach.
Ultimately, the goal is to create an environment where filmmakers can thrive, audiences can enjoy an immersive movie-watching experience, and the industry can adapt to the digital age’s challenges. This requires a combination of legal measures, technological innovations, and a culture of respect and responsibility among all stakeholders.
As Vithanage aptly put it: “At the end of the day, someone will be hurt by piracy, because we are living in a digital world that makes it easy to pirate, and even easier to access these copies.” By working together, the film industry can develop sustainable solutions that protect the creative work of filmmakers, while embracing the opportunities presented by the digital age.
The debate over mobile phones in cinemas and the broader issue of film piracy is a reflection of the changing dynamics of the film industry in the digital age. While Dissanayake’s call for a ban highlights important concerns, it also opens up a broader conversation about how best to protect the interests of filmmakers and ensure a high-quality viewing experience for audiences.
As the industry moves forward, it is crucial to engage in open dialogue, consider diverse perspectives, and develop innovative solutions that address the multifaceted challenges posed by piracy and digital technology. By doing so, the film industry can continue to flourish and captivate audiences with compelling stories and cinematic experiences.