Cusco film producers allege censorship after commercial release blocked

Producers of the Peruvian comedy film ‘Santidad’ have denounced an act of censorship after the film was prevented from its commercial release in Cusco. The film, directed by Rodolfo Espinoza Ríos and filmed entirely in the region, was scheduled to premiere nationwide on September 24 but failed to appear on the Cineplanet billboard at Real Plaza Cusco.

Filmmakers attribute this decision to the Archbishopric of Cusco, alleging that the religious entity invoked a specific clause in its contract with the shopping center to block the exhibition. The film, which received economic support from the Peruvian Ministry of Culture and was featured in the Lima Film Festival, uses comedy to critique themes of faith, morality, and the exercise of power within religious communities.

While the film had previously held a successful avant premiere in the same location, the producers claim the commercial rollout has been frustrated. Director Rodolfo Espinoza stated that the work does not intend to offend the Church or the Archbishop, but rather aims to provide a critique of power.