In a controversial move following pressure from local censorship authorities in China, the Chinese distributor Hishow has changed a homosexual couple to a heterosexual one in the film Together, starring James Franco and Alison Brie. This modification has sparked a wide debate about censorship in the film industry in the country, where LGBTQ+ narratives continue to face serious restrictions.
Together, but apart
NEON, the global distributor of the film, has reacted strongly against this alteration, stating that “NEON does not approve of the unauthorized edit by Hishow” and demanding that the distribution of the modified version be stopped. This response underscores the tensions between international film standards and the censorship demands that prevail in certain markets, such as the Chinese one.
Hishow’s decision to make this alteration using artificial intelligence technology has been seen as an attempt to adapt to an increasingly restrictive business environment. Although certain versions of the film seek to appeal to global audiences, the constant scrutiny over content related to the LGBTQ+ community highlights the dilemmas that both filmmakers and distributors face today.
Mixed reactions can be observed among fans and defenders of LGBTQ+ rights regarding this type of manipulation. Some express their outrage, while others suggest that such measures could be part of a broader pattern of censorship in the entertainment industry. Despite Hishow’s attempts to comply with Chinese regulations, international pressure could influence how these stories are distributed and perceived in the future.