"> Name: "Sarah Balabagan Story" banned in the Philippines

Date: 1995 - present

Location: Asia

SubjectPolitical/Economic/Social Opinion

MediumFilm/Video


Artist: N/A

Confronting Bodies: Philippino, Emirati, and various Islamic officials

Date of Action: March 1997

Specific Location: Manila, Philippines

Description of Artwork: The film, "Sarah Balabagan Story," is about a Filipina maid who escaped execution for murder in United Arab Emirates in 1994.



Description of Incident: Officials from the UAE expressed concern for Emirates-Philippino relations and for the safety of the 80,000 Philippinos living in the country if the film is shown. In addition, Muslim groups petitioned the Philippino government to cancel the film's screening. They claimed it was "a disgrace to the high morality of Muslim women."



Results of Incident: The Philippino president, Ramos, deferred the films release.



Source: Index on Censorship, 3/97

Submitted By: NCAC


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