Malaysia to Welcome its First Gay Film

Malaysia's government has eased censorship restrictions, paving the way for the country's first gay film to premiere in theaters in the coming months.

Dalam Botol (In A Bottle) is about a man who undergoes gender reassignment surgery, negatively affecting his relationship with his male partner. Raja Azmi Raja Sulaiman produced the film and wrote the screenplay based on the experiences of a friend of hers, according to the Associated Press.

The film's script was approved by the Home Ministry's Film Censorship Board, though it told Raja Azmi to change the original title, Anu Dalam Botol (Penis in a Bottle). She did, however, keep scenes of the couple hugging passionately to convey their love for each other, although it is unknown if the censorship board will allow these to be shown in Malaysia.

Raja Azmi said she plans to screen the uncensored version in film festivals around the world.