The Aga Khan Museum apologized over the ‘black’ poster controversy after the Indian High Commission urged Canadian authorities and event organizers to withdraw “all such inflammatory material”.
The poster of the documentary film Kali shows the Hindu goddess smoking a cigarette (Image Credit: Twitter)
After the Indian High Commission in Canada sought removal of filmmaker Leena Manimekalai’s ‘Smoking Kali’ poster, The Aga Khan Museum issued a statement on Tuesday saying it deeply regrets the crimes committed against members of Hindu and other religious communities by social media posts.
“The museum deeply regrets that one of the 18 short videos of ‘Under the Tent’ and its accompanying social media posts inadvertently insulted members of Hindu and other religious communities,” the statement said.
The museum was hosting the works of students from diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds as part of a project called “Under the Tent” organized by Toronto Metropolitan University.
The statement said, “Toronto Metropolitan University’s project presentation was held at the Aga Khan Museum in the context of the museum’s mission to promote intercultural understanding and dialogue through the arts. Respecting the diverse religious expressions and faith communities that exist.” An integral part of the mission.” ,
Indian High Commission in Canada on Monday Canadian officials and event organizers were urged to withdraw “all such provocative material”.
In a statement, the High Commission said it has received complaints from leaders of the Hindu community in Canada about “derogatory depictions of Hindu deities on the posters of a film displayed as part of the ‘Under the Tent Project’ at the Aga Khan Museum”. Toronto.”
black controversy
A controversy erupted after filmmaker Leena Manimekalai shared the poster of the film on social media. The poster depicts a woman in the costume of Goddess Kali. In the photo, she is seen smoking a cigarette. With her usual outfit of trishul (trishul), and sickle, the actress playing the role of Devi is shown waving the pride flag of the LGBTQ+ community. Take a look here:
Excited to share the launch of my recent film – On Today @AgaKhanMuseum As part of its “Rhythm of Canada”
Contact: https://t.co/RAQimMt7LnI downloaded this demonstration document. formed as a group of https://t.co/D5ywx1Y7Wu@YorkuAMPD @toronto mate @yorkufgs
feeling excited with my crew pic.twitter.com/L8LDDnctC9
— leena manimekalai (@leena manimekalai) 2 July 2022