The threat of legal action against copyright violations could sour Easter celebrations for some members of the Christian community who plan to air the recently released film, The Passion of the Christ.
The film, directed and co-written by Hollywood star Mel Gibson, has only been officially released in theatres overseas, however, recently several local churches including First Assembly of God on D'Urban Street and the Heavenly Light Full Gospel Tabernacle in Albouystown, have aired the film on big screen for worshippers free of charge.
But in a notice carried on page 3 of Wednesday's edition of the Guyana Chro-nicle, Goldmine Productions Trinidad (GPT) warned it would take legal action against any person[s] "found renting or exhibiting the [film] The Passion of The Christ". GPT said in the notice that it was the owner of the film.
In a letter copied to Stabroek News and other media houses, media and public relations consultant Alex Graham condemned the airing of the film by those sections of the religious community of "pirated" versions of the blockbuster film.
Graham referred to a presentation by Allison Demas at the Caribbean Media Conference held in Guyana in 2000 in which she underscored the need for a new Copyright Act noting that "despite the fact that the Postal and Telegraph Act sections 31, 32 and 47 requires the disclosure of intercepted material, forbids the retransmission of its content and forbids the infringements of copyright in transmitted or received matter, the practice is completely ignored in Guyana."
According to Graham, there is need for tougher legislation and corresponding enforcement mechanisms to reverse the "culture of piracy" but moral and ethical leadership is also critical to resolving this problem.
"It is therefore sad to see that the church, of all places, is a centre for the abuse and disregard of people's rights in this area..." Graham said.
He pointed out that copyright violations are affecting the growth of the local music industry and undermining the development of young artistes because their music is illegally copied and sold limiting their chances of earning proper revenue from their work.
"The centres of moral leadership are now seeing the transgression of the law... and more importantly, the transgression of the gospel they preach and the transgression of the moral and ethical expectations of the people they lead," Graham said.
Copyright advocate and local music producer, Burchmore Simon, in an invited comment, told Sta-broek News on Wednesday: "I definitely think that more respect should be given to people involved in creative arts [in Guyana]. People seem to have more respect for other property such as [vehicles]... If I steal a car, I will end up before the court. But people steal designs and other forms of creative work and nothing is done about [these type of pirates]. People have a moral obligation to respect genuine art products on the market."
Simon, who has been in the music industry for about 20 years, said he started recording about five years ago, but now he concentrates on writing songs and producing music. He said it is difficult to make a living through music in Guyana because those who violate copyright law frustrate the flow of revenue within the industry.
When contacted the pastor of the First Assembly of God declined comment, but a source confirmed that the film was aired at the Heavenly Light Full Gospel Tabernacle at least two weeks ago.
Checks at video clubs in the city revealed that the film could be rented on DVD at a cost of approximately $200 per night and on videocassette at a cost of around $100 per night. It is slated to air at the Central Assembly of God church tonight and was aired on Wednesday night at an open-air venue at Southern cul-de-sac, Sunflower Close, South Ruimveldt Gardens.