'Schoolgirls’ banned

Press, 9 May 1980, Page 7

'Schoolgirls’ banned

PA’ Wellington A West German feature film has been banned from New Zealand’s cinemas because it has been judged denigrating to women. “Schoolgirls. . . Growing up” is the first film to be banned mainly on those grounds, according to the Chief Film Censor (Mr B. C. Tunnicliffe).

He said that denigration of women had been a factor in the censoring of films before, but this was the first time it had been the main consideration. He described “Schooleirls” as a "sexploitation” film. No appeal for a fresh judgment on the film has yet been lodged with the Film Censorship Board of

Reviews and the appeal deadline is almost up.

Mr Tunnicliffe said the last time censors judged a film denigrating to women was about 1977, with the film, “Immoral Tales,” but other factors were involved as well. “It is one factor we are required to take into account. It is not very often used, but in this case, it was a mean film from our point of view.” The board has cleared two other films banned at the same time. “Scum,” a British film banned because of what the censor judged anti-social and indecent behaviour and violence, can now screen with an R2O certificate, thanks to a ruling by the board. It deals with Bor-

stal life. The 8.8. C. commissioned it as a television special but refused to screen it as it had no way to enforce viewing restrictions.

So Alan Clarke, the film’s maker who says he researched it for months by talking to wardens and inmates, pre-shot it as a feature film. The British magazine, “Film and Filming,” called it Britain’s best film for 1979.

An advertising film, “Wrangler Thugs.” at first rejected for anti-social behaviour, can also now be screened. Mr Tunnicliffe

rejected it after its owners refused to allow the cuts he proposed, but the board has now cleared it.