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| Tuesday, 14 September 2004 |
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Philippe Caland, director and main actor of the controversial film "Hollywood Buddha" has apologised profusely to Buddhists for any offence caused by the film's poster which shows him seated on a Buddha statue. In a telephone conversation with the Sri lankan Embassy in Washington, Caland has said that the advertisement was digitally created (he never sat on a Buddha statue) by an ad agency. He has conveyed to the Embassy that he was heartbroken for offending Buddhists. A news release issued by the Embassy said: "Upon it coming to the notice of this Embassy that the above titled film was being advertised in LA with billboards that show a man sitting on the head of the image of the Buddha, we have made inquiries concerning its production and distribution. On 8 September, the Embassy spoke to Philippe Caland, who is the producer, director, and main actor of the film "Hollywood Buddha". Mr. Caland said he was also personally distributing the film. During the conversation with Mr Caland, he made the following points, which the Embassy wishes to share with you; 1. Mr. Caland was aware of the concerns raised about the said poster and is very saddened and heartbroken that he had offended and upset Buddhists, as he finds Buddhism as the religion which he most connects with and believes it speaks to him the most. 2. He apologizes profusely to every Buddhist and others who might be offended by the poster. It was not a marketing gimmick. 3. The poster in question that is being distributed was digitally created by an ad agency ( he never sat on a Buddha head), and has been around at film festivals for over a year, and seen by those including Buddhists, but no one had brought it to his attention that it would be offensive. The concept of the design was to project the upliftment of an individual through Buddhism. 4. The film does not in anyway slight Buddhism. It is about a failing Hollywood producer who leans on the teachings of the Buddha to change his life and finally succeeds and in the process relishes that ultimately its ones state of mind that leads to failure. 5. Mr. Caland would be glad to arrange screenings for anyone who would care to watch the movie. 6. He assured that as a result of the Embassy's call he is working on changing the billboard poster to a different one, but regrets that at this point he can't take down 30 billboards in LA which has this image. Presently it is only to be screened at four locations in LA. However, by the time the film goes out of LA he will ensure that a different promotional poster is used. 7. He further assured that he will put together a letter of apology stating what he told the Embassy and giving the above assurances and send it to the Embassy, and any others who have complained about it and proceed to follow through on it expeditiously. Please remain assured that this Embassy will make every effort possible to ensure that Mr. Caland acts as he has stated. You may share this information with any others who are concerned about this production." |
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