Released in 2006, John Cameron Mitchell’s film Shortbus was banned by Amazon Prime Video in the United States. Indeed, according to the platform, the feature film contains too many explicit scenes. But for their part, the distributors of the work denounce the excessive modesty of the streaming giant.
American film directed by John Cameron Mitchell, short bus was officially released in theaters in October 2006, after being presented in May of the same year at the Cannes Film Festival. A feature film that seeks to demystify sex by showing it explicitly on screen in several scenes. And for good reason, this work follows several New York characters whose tragicomic adventures navigate between sexuality and feelings. All attend a modern underground club, Shortbus, where all desires are expressed. A cult film for some but, arguably far too daring for Amazon Prime Video. Indeed, while it was to be released on the platform in the United States, short bus was refused several times. The streaming giant thus justified its refusal by an alleged discrepancy between the subtitles and the images, before to add that the content was “offensive”. For his part, the president of the distribution company of short busDan Berger, shouts prudishness. “The prudishness and utter hypocrisy of refusing to carry this film – which is the pinnacle of wholesome representation, inclusion and support for an often persecuted community – only perpetuate the abuse and they should be ashamed“he thus declared to the media Indie Wire.
Another movie censored by Amazon Prime Video UK
Directed by Sebastián Muñoz and distributed by Peccadillo Pictures, The Prince was also banned from Amazon Prime Video UK for “offensive behavior”. Awarded a Queer Lion at the Venice Film Festival, the film is set in 1970s Chile and tells a love story between two men in a prison. “We are obviously very concerned and perplexed by Amazon’s decision”explained Tom Abell, the distributor of the work, to Deadline.
A censorship that the distributor does not explain. “We tried to reverse their decision, without success, and we cannot understand why they took this position, when we have overwhelming support from all other platforms”, he continued. And to conclude: “It certainly contains nothing that hasn’t been seen before in prison drama and pales in comparison to the scenes of many Amazon productions. We are unable to explain the situation.”