Samoan film censor opens door for lesbian vampires

<i>Lesbian Vampire Killers</i> got past the censor while other movies with gay themes have been rejected. Photo / Supplied

Cinema operators in Samoa are rejoicing after the Pacific island's censor unexpectedly approved a movie about lesbian vampires.

The deeply religious country has traditionally rejected any movie with a gay theme, earlier this year barring Milk, about homosexual American activist Harvey Milk who fought for gay rights.

But the principal censor, Leiataua Niuapu Faaui, has given the thumbs up to Lesbian Vampire Killers, a British flick about people who kill gay vampires.

Leiataua justified his decision by saying the movie was not necessarily about lesbians.

"It's about a legend and all the vampires are female. That's why it says lesbians [in the title]," Leiataua told the Samoa Observer newspaper.

"In regards to sex [scenes], [they are] not really explicit. According to my conscience it's suitable for people 21 and over," Leiataua said.

The film has been widely panned in Britain as one of the worst to have been released in the last few years.

One moviegoer told the newspaper he was angry about the censor's inconsistencies but several cinema and DVD store owners said they were just pleased a risque movie had finally made the cut.

The censor previously banned The Da Vinci Code for fear it could affect the religious beliefs of young people whose faith was wavering.

- AAP